The Planted Tank Forum - View Single Post

D3monic · 02-02-2012, 10:17 PM

Planning out my first planted build and I am giving you guys the opportunity to live vicariously through me (and my wallet)

I have a stand that I built for a 75gal (cherry finish) but should fit a 90 gal as well.

For lighting I already have a 48" 4 bulb HO T5 odysea unit

I also have a aqua controller jr I plan on using for automation. I need new ph and temp probes.

Now here's where you guys come in!

1. Substrate:

Leaning toward black. I am a big fan of brightwell aquatics http://brightwellaquatics.com/products/rio_escuro_m.php and would love to use their substrate but can not find it for sale anywhere. Back up would be eco complete and maybe black diamond.

Other suggestions are more than welcome. Mineralized mud, ect?

2. Background:

Normally I make my own, but realistically I end up spending an arse ton in the process. For around $200 these are pretty sweet backgrounds
http://www.gillsnfins.ca/deluxe3d.php#tanganyika_rock
Either the canyon or the tanganyika. I prefere the tanganyika.
Or I could just do a plain black background but would prefere 3D

3. Filtration:

This is where I could use the most help. Silence is golden.
size, type, pre filters ect.

I would prefer to go the canister route as the sound of splashing water drives me nuts, No HOB or sumps. Could I use a ro filter canister filled with filter floss as sort of a pre filter to capture larger organic matter?

How should I go about plumbing everything? I have a drill bit that will fit a 1/2" bulkhead but I could always order other sizes from www.glass-holes.com

I would prefer drilling vs any unsightly lines dangling into the tank.

Lighting:

I prefer giesemann bulbs. I have one aquablue+ and an actinic bulb. I assume the rest would need to be replaced. Suggestions?

CO2:

I am a complete noob when it comes to this subject. Can I assume that a 5# aluminum tank would be enough for a 75-90 gal tank? As far as regulators, needle valves and ect I am at a complete loss.

Livestock:

The fun part! Originally I was planning on doing a discus / tetra tank but after doing more research on them I am thinking of ditching the discus idea.

I really want to do a handfull of CRS and maybe other species of shrimp. But I could always do a tank on the kitchen counter for them.

Now for other livestock, neon tetras, oto, maybe large school of C.pygmaeus, killifish? any particular rare awesome looking species that would be cool to breed?

Plants: Star moss?, Utricularia graminifolia, Hemianthus callitrichoides, tiger lotus, red rubin sword, Limnophila aromatica

Any other suggestions?

02-02-2012, 10:17 PM	#1
D3monic Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (13/100%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Minooka, IL Posts: 497	75gal Rivers edge. Planning out my first planted build and I am giving you guys the opportunity to live vicariously through me (and my wallet) I have a stand that I built for a 75gal (cherry finish) but should fit a 90 gal as well. For lighting I already have a 48" 4 bulb HO T5 odysea unit I also have a aqua controller jr I plan on using for automation. I need new ph and temp probes. Now here's where you guys come in! 1. Substrate: Leaning toward black. I am a big fan of brightwell aquatics http://brightwellaquatics.com/products/rio_escuro_m.php and would love to use their substrate but can not find it for sale anywhere. Back up would be eco complete and maybe black diamond. Other suggestions are more than welcome. Mineralized mud, ect? 2. Background: Normally I make my own, but realistically I end up spending an arse ton in the process. For around $200 these are pretty sweet backgrounds http://www.gillsnfins.ca/deluxe3d.php#tanganyika_rock Either the canyon or the tanganyika. I prefere the tanganyika. Or I could just do a plain black background but would prefere 3D 3. Filtration: This is where I could use the most help. Silence is golden. size, type, pre filters ect. I would prefer to go the canister route as the sound of splashing water drives me nuts, No HOB or sumps. Could I use a ro filter canister filled with filter floss as sort of a pre filter to capture larger organic matter? How should I go about plumbing everything? I have a drill bit that will fit a 1/2" bulkhead but I could always order other sizes from www.glass-holes.com I would prefer drilling vs any unsightly lines dangling into the tank. Lighting: I prefer giesemann bulbs. I have one aquablue+ and an actinic bulb. I assume the rest would need to be replaced. Suggestions? CO2: I am a complete noob when it comes to this subject. Can I assume that a 5# aluminum tank would be enough for a 75-90 gal tank? As far as regulators, needle valves and ect I am at a complete loss. Livestock: The fun part! Originally I was planning on doing a discus / tetra tank but after doing more research on them I am thinking of ditching the discus idea. I really want to do a handfull of CRS and maybe other species of shrimp. But I could always do a tank on the kitchen counter for them. Now for other livestock, neon tetras, oto, maybe large school of C.pygmaeus, killifish? any particular rare awesome looking species that would be cool to breed? Plants: Star moss?, Utricularia graminifolia, Hemianthus callitrichoides, tiger lotus, red rubin sword, Limnophila aromatica Any other suggestions? __________________ Canon Pimp Club #019 "I have all the characteristics of a human being: blood, flesh, skin, hair; but not a single, clear, identifiable emotion, except for greed and disgust. Something horrible is happening inside of me and I don't know why. My nightly bloodlust has overflown into my days. I feel lethal, on the verge of frenzy. I think my mask of sanity is about to slip" Ebi-topia 75g Rivers Edge Dario H. Breeding Log Last edited by D3monic; 04-20-2012 at 01:19 AM..