[APD] Suggestions for a new setup please

[Aaron Steiner <steinish at adelphia_net>]

Hi there all. I'm getting a 40 gal. tank to be heavily planted and I 
wanted opinions on how I was thinking of setting it up.

Most importantly, I would really like to do this tank without a filter. 
I have read where this can be successful and I would like to try it.  
Mostly for financial reasons but also because I would like to breed 
cherry red shrimp for my LFS - I always have so many get sucked up by 
my Magnum HOT canister.

I was thinking of using an under gravel heating system to aid in 
circulation (and plant growth)....for substrate, I was thinking a layer 
of laterite followed by several inches of Eco Complete (I love this 
stuff in my other planted tanks).  I'm wondering whether a powerhead 
might be needed for further circulation? Also, is there a conflict with 
having under gravel heat and MTS's?  I'd hate for those snails to turn 
into escargo!

I'm thinking that between the snails and shrimp, solid detritus will be 
taken care of and the plants will utilize/filter the rest from the 
medium fish load (hence no need for the filter right??) I imagine I 
could run the micron-filter from the Magnum once a month or so to 
polish the water. Water changes will be weekly using RO/DI water.

I'm looking to get a Coralife Aqualight Double at 192 watts giving the 
tank nearly 5wpg. With that and CO2 injection through a mounted 
diffuser, plant growth should be vigorous enough to provide inhabitants 
with enough oxygen.

OK, so any suggestions or comments are greatly appreciated as I'm very 
eager to get this project started!

Many thanks,

Aaron

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