Trying to start a 220g planted tank.

[NewPlanter2013]

Hello,
I'm not new to aquariums but new to planted tanks, I started to setup a 220g tank. The tank is 30h X 72l X24w, filter is Fluval FX5, subtrate 30 bags of EcoComplete, 2 500w heaters, aqua clear hang on filter with a surface skimmer, 2-36" quad bulb HO T5 lights with plant bulbs and 4-36"duel bulb non-HO T5 with plant bulb lights. I would like to grow dwarf hair grass on the bottom but with it being 30" deep will that be enough light? Any suggestions on other plants for this size tank? Does the watts per gallon rule still go for T5 lighting? Thanks for any help....

[Lurch98]

Welcome to planted tanks and TPT! Check out this article for an excellent lighting overview:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...d.php?t=184368

With a tank that big, if you light it appropriately, you can do amazing things.

[tomfromstlouis]

I have the same tank with HO T5 lights from Aquatic Life. The lights came with PAR level pictures that convinced me I had too much light for my non-CO2 tank (PAR of 70-80), so I have cut them with black window screening. My point is that it is quite possible to get medium to high light to the substrate in your tank. You might see if your light manufacturer publishes PAR readings or anything to make your effort a little more scientific.

[NewPlanter2013]

Thanks for your advise!!!!

[NewPlanter2013]

Updated pics on my 220g tank. still a little cloudy . Cant' wait till it clears up!

[DogFish]

Looks like you're off to a good start

[Mattymo92]

beautiful tank, what is it stocked with, I see the guppys but what else?

[NewPlanter2013]

Guppies, Neon tetras, Black Neons,zebra danios, bleeding heart tetras,bloodfin tetras and 2 Glo fish tetras.

[DaveMcKenz]

That looks very nice. I bet it is big, too!!

[thelub]

Very nice.

How much substrate is in there? I have the same size tank and I'm currently researching what and how much I need to put it together and your substrate looks like what I want in mine.

[NewPlanter2013]

I used 30 bag of sraight EcoComplete, a little costly but it makes a difference.

[Woody0229]

Originally Posted by NewPlanter2013

I used 30 bag of sraight EcoComplete, a little costly but it makes a difference.

That is nuts. I do notice what looks to be an Ista surface skimmer in there is that true? If so do you like how it works and have you had any troubles with it? And does it pull water from the bottom of the unit while skimming the top?

[NewPlanter2013]

Yes it is a surface skimmer, it does make a difference but I still had to add a pump to circulate the water the return from the FX5 just wasn't strong enough. Before I got it the surface had a thin oily coat, I was told it was from the plants but as soon as I got the circulater and skimmer it was gone over night. I'm not too sure if it pulls water from the bottom of the tube, but when something small goes buy it doen't seem to suck it up. I just added a CO2 drop checker 2 nights ago, it was showing low so I cranked up the bottle a small bit....some plants have grown about 2" in two days with no stress to the fish for now. I have to keep my eyes on them to make sure they don't start swimming funny

[NewPlanter2013]

I think I need more light, my dwarf baby tears are dying...not good!!!!

[NewPlanter2013]

Plants growing like CRAZY!!!!!