http://www.plantedtank.net/forums Trying to create a masterpiece on a budget? This forum is for you. en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:22:26 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.plantedtank.net/forums http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96892-us-fissidens-excel.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:20:57 GMT ok, so i know this has been brought up before. i've seen a few older threads but i didn't see any definitive answer. i'm hoping there's some updated info.

i have a 20 gallon long tank. sand only substrate. 40 watts of CFL.

i dose 1 cap of excel every day. i started this a month or so ago to counteract some green algae on the glass. it worked wonderfully.

plants - taiwan moss, e. tenellus, e. tenellus 'micro', r. rotundifolia, water sprite, fissidens fontanus.

fish - there are 4 F0 Apistogramma cf. eunotus 'orangeschwanz'

everything in this tank grows like crazy except my fissidens. it was doing really well but over the last couple months it stopped growing. there's still some green but most of the fronds are noticibly more bare and have a brownish/gray color to them. i'm thinking the excel might have something to do with it.

any ideas? ]]> Low Tech Forum Bad-Daddio http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96892-us-fissidens-excel.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96849-making-biospheres.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:43:11 GMT Hey all, I recently decided to apply some of my experience working with planted tanks to create biospheres. I'm hoping to sell them eventually as I am college student with a limited budget. I've been very successful using elodea and java moss in a variety of jar sizes. Would anyone have any recommendations for other low light plants that would be good at picking up nutrients and aren't too expensive?
Thanks for the help! ]]> Low Tech Forum eruheru http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96849-making-biospheres.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96671-planted-noobie.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:09:49 GMT Hey all i am new to this sute and am hoping to convert one of my aquariums to a planted fresh water tank...i have read a lot of things and finally decided to ask people their experience...i prefer to go with the no co2 method as i have read in an article which im not allowed to attatch lol and... Hey all i am new to this sute and am hoping to convert one of my aquariums to a planted fresh water tank...i have read a lot of things and finally decided to ask people their experience...i prefer to go with the no co2 method as i have read in an article which im not allowed to attatch lol and please give me any experience you can!! i do have 4 years FW experience and have raised quite a few discus so you dont have to go through teh whol noob to fish keeping thing, just skip to the plants lol thank you all!!!:icon_mrgr ]]> Low Tech Forum PaulThePlanter http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96671-planted-noobie.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96602-need-tall-low-light-plant.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:17:06 GMT I have a 54 corner tank and am looking for a tall plant(s) to form a curtain in the rear corner behind an arched piece of driftwood. The light isn't particularly strong in that spot. Does such a plant exist? I was hoping crinum would work, but I'm not sure.

I dose excel and have a 2x65 pc setup.

Thanks. ]]> Low Tech Forum veryzer http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96602-need-tall-low-light-plant.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96502-new-65-gal-tank.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 03:15:14 GMT Hi everyone, this is my first post here (at least the first that I can remember). I just picked up a 65 hex and was going to make my first foray into trying a planted tank. The tank came with a Coralife PC light with two 65 watt bulbs. When I got it, it was set up for a salt tank with a 10000K... Hi everyone, this is my first post here (at least the first that I can remember). I just picked up a 65 hex and was going to make my first foray into trying a planted tank. The tank came with a Coralife PC light with two 65 watt bulbs. When I got it, it was set up for a salt tank with a 10000K light and a actinic. I replaced the actinic with a 6700K bulb and then the 10000K died. So my question is should I put in a 6700K or go back with a 1000K? I hadn't planned on using CO2 so was hoping to be fairly low tech. Probably going to be adding some ferts.

Appreciate your help.

Kirk ]]> Low Tech Forum kpfeffer http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96502-new-65-gal-tank.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96324-75g-low-tech-lights.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:00:56 GMT I am new here and new to planted tanks. My son and I are doing this together. We have a 75 Gallon and are wanting to do a low tech setup. We currently have a T-12 40 W and a t-5 28 W strip. Both are single strip fixtures. What will we need for lighting using what we can of existing and... I am new here and new to planted tanks. My son and I are doing this together.

We have a 75 Gallon and are wanting to do a low tech setup. We currently have a T-12 40 W and a t-5 28 W strip. Both are single strip fixtures. What will we need for lighting using what we can of existing and adding what we need of new. We have seen in other posts people having algae problems with as little as 105W of T-5HO lighting. We do not want to inject CO2 and do not want to have algae problems. Can anyone give us some guidance?

Thanks! ]]> Low Tech Forum cichlidfan http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96324-75g-low-tech-lights.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96281-starting-20g-npt.html Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:43:45 GMT In the next few months I'll be starting a NPT. I plan on using miracle grow organic soil and Seachem flourite. I'd like some suggestions for plants and lighting. I'd like to use no more than 1.5 watts per gallon. I do plan on light dry fert dosing but no co2 injection.

This will end up being an RCS tank. I'd like to have a carpet plant. What are good low light hardy plants that can be used as carpets? I'd like to grow the carpet out emersed at first then go submersed.

Also, what other low light plants would you suggest for a tank of this size?

I also plan on using a fluval 205 which I will be adding to my 26g bow front tank to seed.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. ]]> Low Tech Forum oheresy http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96281-starting-20g-npt.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96255-150g-low-tech-tank-where-even.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 22:26:33 GMT I've done other, smaller low tech tanks without many problems. This one might be a different animal all together.

Basically I am getting a perfect 150g, 6ft tank for $75. My buddy owed me some money and was getting out of the hobby, so I took the chance. Always wanted a 6ft tank and for $75, I'm not going to throw a hissy fit over it being 28" tall!

My plan, so far, is this:

Pressurized CO2, 20lb cylinder. Why? Might as well get it now than later. I'll just turn the CO2 levels down if I am getting more than my plants can use.
Mineralized top soil capped off with either Oil-Dri or PFS, unsure yet.
Low light plants like ferns, moss, swords, anubias, etc.
Minimal fish load - Talking some BN plecos, White Clouds, etc. Nothing like 100 White Clouds or anything, maybe 2 dozen.

I want to go slow with this tank and slowly build it up to a high tech, high light tank. Eventually I want to carpet the tank in HM or Dwarf Hair Grass and have it be nothing but shrimp, White Clouds, and plecos. No fancy fish for me!

What is throwing me for a loop is an inexpensive filtration system. I have some LARGE sponge filters that I was thinking about just using Maxi-Jets on them and running the filters that way. Probably use three of them (sponges are about 6" across, 8" high.

Lighting I am also stuck at. Was considering putting my 2x96w PC retrofit side by side, then staggering 4 x 40w T8's to cover the front area.

Is this sounding like I am on the right track? ]]> Low Tech Forum Burks http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96255-150g-low-tech-tank-where-even.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96160-converting-130-gallon-reef-tank-into.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:11:41 GMT My dad has a 130 gallon acrylic (rimless) tank we built a long time ago. Its currently set up as a reef tank. He has been wanting to get rid of it for some time now. I'm thinking about taking it off of his hands. :icon_mrgr





I would take the top of it and suspend lights above it from the ceiling, being rimless would be awesome looking. It is a skimmer style tank (my words for it lol) that would be alright? I could just keep the skimmers almost full of water to keep some more of the CO2 in the water.

What would I have to change about the filter set up/pump?

It has two T8 bulbs in it right now. I would probably want to keep it low light maybe DIY CO2. I'm a college kid on a budget. :cool: ]]> Low Tech Forum agoins http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96160-converting-130-gallon-reef-tank-into.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96149-help-42-gallon-low-budget-tank.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:01:59 GMT Hello everyone:proud:I have recently came into a 42 gallon tank that the last owner of my house just left here :eek5:.I want to set it up and get it going instead of how I have been using it now (holding frog spawn from my pond).But I don't have a huge budget so I can't afford anything really expensive eg c02.So I just want to have a low tec tank can I get bit of advice on what plants I should get ,what lighting I should get ect?.I've already made a community (tell me if there is somthing wrong with it) 2 paired angle fish,2 bristle nose cat fish,6 yoyo loaches,5 sterpas cory,5 bleeding heart tetras, 5 platies or mollys (going to raise the number to 10 with breeding) and maybe, if I can fit them a few otos or shrimp.I want to make the theme amazon by the way;)

thanks:biggrin:

chris:fish: ]]> Low Tech Forum newt767 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96149-help-42-gallon-low-budget-tank.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96118-hello-newbi.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:12:48 GMT Hi Everyone,

I'm getting back into keeping an aquarium after too many years away from it. I had a 55 with Discus about 20 years ago and have missed them ever since. I picked them up directly from Jack Wattley's home in Ft Lauderdale while on spring break. Life got busy and I had to take a break from keeping a tank.

Now I'm adding an addition to our home and decided to include a space for a tank dividing the kitchen from the den/living room. I'd planned to allow 48" and thought a 55 was what I'd shop for, but I just realized that a 120 is also 48" long!:icon_lol: So, that's wonderful because more water = more plants & fish!!

I found a 120 with predrilled corners used for $300 on craigslist. That seems like a decent price to me, yes/no ?

I don't know yet what else the seller might have to offer with it. Till I hear back I'm assuming nothing else.

If I need to buy lighting & filtration I will read here first. In the past I ran an undergravel plate along with a Magnum 330. I remember playing around with pushing/pulling (tried it both ways) through the U/G plate with the magnum. I know that not a mainsteam method, but my fish & plants stayed healthy.

I assume an undergravel filter is still considered "good" for plant health? As I said, "I'll be reading a lot here". Glad I found you all.

peace,
Glenn ]]> Low Tech Forum GlennR http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96118-hello-newbi.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96072-upfront-monthly-expenses.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:20:38 GMT I've been looking for an article or post on the internet that gives an estimate of the upfront & monthly upkeep costs of a planted aquarium. Haven't been able to find any yet.

I'm looking into a 30 gallon for my next tank, and was hoping to do as low tech (cheap) as possible. I realize planted aquariums vary widely in cost, but I was hoping someone out there kept track of their total & monthly expenses.

Any help would be appreciated.

Steven. ]]> Low Tech Forum zan1132 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96072-upfront-monthly-expenses.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96038-my-20g-goldfish-planted.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:20:20 GMT So, I've had these guys for a while sitting on my desk in a 10g hex, and was advised that I really should have 10g per goldfish, so I upped.
I've had good luck w/ java sword so far, and just added val, they seem to pretty much be ignoring them so far.
I like this just as is, but as usual, want to always liven things up a bit.
Wondering what else I may be able to add?
Also, this tank is w/out heater, so I need to keep that in mind.
Would cherry shrimp deal w/ this?



]]> Low Tech Forum davocean http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96038-my-20g-goldfish-planted.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96018-thinking-adding-low-tech-tank-wife.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:02:44 GMT She is a BIG fan of the fancy goldfish. I would not allow them in "my" tank LOL, and she is a bit pissed about that.

Well I was digging around in the garage and found my 20 gallon and an XP3 canister... all I need is a heater and light, right?

I am thinking of lighting it in a fashion not normally seen ... I want to use the decorative Pendants from Lowes (fancy blown glass, pretty). I am thinking 2 of these about 10 inches above the open top with the 6500K Spiral fluorescents that are in the flood light configuration (sort of have a built in reflector). Most likely would be the 18watt range.

Would that be enough light for a low tech 20 gallon with crypts and swords in it? ]]> Low Tech Forum WarDaddy http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/96018-thinking-adding-low-tech-tank-wife.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/95932-starting-plan-10-gallon.html Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:30:14 GMT So I am thinking of upgrading my betta to a 10 gal.
I definitely want to do it planted, but since I am new to the planted aspect of the hobby I wanted to do it low-tech (at least at first)

So far I am just planning, so I haven't really bought anything yet.
But I'm thinking of planting; Anacharis, java fern, and anubias in the back. And maybe try to carpet the front with some java moss. I don't know how exactly I'm going to do that, but I might try the plastic mesh trick.

The setup I am going for is:

Standard 10 gallon A.G.A.
50w heater
AquaClear 20 (fuge mod)

I am undecided on the substrate and the lighting, but I think I might just go with the "florescent desk lamp" thing and sand to save some money.
Of course I would have to dose a lot more ferts with a nutrient poor substrate like sand, right?

I am also undecided on hardscape, but I will probably pick some stuff out when I go to my local pet/fish store.
I want to keep this as low maintenance as possible so any tips on achieving that? Anything I am missing
Thanks ]]> Low Tech Forum Socalsun http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/low-tech-forum/95932-starting-plan-10-gallon.html