Plants in Portland?

[Gregoryalln854]

Plants in Portland? I'm setting up a 75 gallon this Sunday and needed to get some plants. I've done reef and Discus, but I'm completely new to planted tanks so i better go with some of the easier to keep. My lighting is 2- 54watt t'8s. If anybody has anything plz send me a PM

Thanks
Greg

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Hi Gregoryalln854,

I am guessing you have 2X 54 watt T5HO? The Wet Spot in NE Portland had the best selection of plants of the LFS in Portland when I visited down there last spring. Your fixture with two bulbs will put you in the 'High Light' category. The good news is you should have sufficient light to go just about any species; I hope you are running CO2 or algae may become an issue fairly quickly. Start with a short light period, maybe 4 hours total and increase slowly over several weeks.

Pick up some easy plants to start:

Ludwigia repens
Cryptocornes
Vallisneria
Bacopa
Java Ferns
Anubias
Bolbitus

Hope this helps!

[theblondskeleton]

The wet spot usually carries all of the species Seattle mentioned, and at decent prices.

[Gregoryalln854]

thanks guys, and They are t5's I misread the box. I'm not running CO2 yet, are they pretty hard to set up? also where would be the best place to get one?

[jkan0228]

IMO if you want a complete Co2 system ready to go, GLA is one of the best places. Its where I got my system.
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-systems.html

They have videos on how to setup a Co2 system as well, takes about 5 mins.

With T5's, you'll want Co2 or else algae will be everywhere.

[nilocg]

I've got a bunch of crypts for a good price, they will do well in your tanks. Pm me if interested.

[Gregoryalln854]

Thanks, I'll look into it. What system would be adequate for a 75 gallon? Also is there a way to hook it up so I don't see the hoses? I don't like seeing clutter
PM sent, I'm interested

[jkan0228]

Any of the systems would be adequate. Personally I have the Primo System and I couldn't ask for more.

You can hook an inline diffuser into your canister filter outflow which will hide the hose.

[Gregoryalln854]

I might have to wait a bit to order one, I dropped quite a bit already into the tank. I do plan on getting one , and it will probably be sooner than later once I start getting algae.

[theblondskeleton]

Just don't skimp on your regulator. Get the best rig you can afford- I made the mistake of going cheap and in the long run it has cost me more than a good rig would have to begin with. It's totally worth delaying satisfaction for quality.

It also would be worth getting a 10lb tank rather than a 5. It pays for the difference in about 3 refills.

[Gregoryalln854]

how long does a 10lbs tank last, and will I need to be dosing or adding anything?

[jkan0228]

Generally with your lighting, it can last a few months.

Lighting is what drives the need of Co2 and Ferts

As with dosing, you can try the two more popular methods in this hobby. PPS-Pro or EI (Estimative Index) that was invented by Tom Barr (plantbrain on the forum).

I've used both and personally I prefer PPS-Pro as I'm a junior in high school and I don't have the time to dose daily. Setting up an autodoser (also viable with EI) and not doing water changes is the way to go with me

[Seattle_Aquarist]

Originally Posted by Gregoryalln854

how long does a 10lbs tank last, and will I need to be dosing or adding anything?

Hi Gregoryalln854,

My 5# tank lasted 6 weeks providing CO2 to a 45 gallon and a 30 gallon.

[theblondskeleton]

My 10lb lasts me 3-4 months or so on my 120-P (65 gal). I say a 10 rather than a 5 because it's not much bigger, but it lasts considerably longer and my refills are only $3 more. For me that just made sense. A 5 will do just fine though.

[Gregoryalln854]

Thanks, I'll have to wait to get one. The current tank I'm fixing up has a lot of flaws. I drove down to salem to get it and by the time I got there it was dark. The Tank is so scratched up I'm probably just going to buy a new one and salvage the stand.