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Restarting a 29gallon tank

612 views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  eNdoubleU 
#1 ·
Hello,
Tank: 29g
Lighting: 1x T8 5500k
Filter: AquaClear 70 with bio and sponge only, recently added carbon
Substrate: 2.5" layer of flourite and playsand

I am new to planted tanks as much as I was a year ago when I first attempted it. I would really like to create a successful tank.
I first started this tank 2 years ago. It was gravel substrate and plastic plants. After rushing into it, many of my fishes died followed by a snail infestation. Later on, I decided to have it planted but I was on a budget. I rushed it again, but I didn't lose many fishes, only 3 ottos during cycling process. I've had 1 Angel Fish, 2 clown loaches, and 1 surviving Ottocinclus. I have been busy and I haven't had time to maintain my tank. Over time, all of my plants died except a few which grew very strong roots into the substrate. I was running a DIY Co2 system but my pH levels were continuously 6.0 even after water changes. That still hasn't changed.

My fishes have lived for 8 months now. The angel fish has grown from the size of a quarter to the size of my palm. I had 2 clown loaches until yesterday, when one of them died. I tested the water right away, and the pH was still 6.0 and slight ammonia in the water. The nitrite and nitrate levels are at 0.

I've want to replant it and re-start the tank now that I have the budget and the time, but I can't find a good guide telling me which type of light is the best option for my tank and which Co2 system is the most efficient. I don't want to spend on a regulator if it's not needed for my tank size.

I have read this article: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/105774-par-vs-distance-t5-t12-pc.html and http://www.sudeepmandal.com/hobbies/planted-aquarium/low-tech-planted-tank-guide/#advantageslowtech

So, considering my tank already has fishes in it, a few pieces of driftwood, which I'm sure has collected beneficial bacteria, and a few remaining plants:
1. Which lighting is the best option (tank height: 18")? I'm looking for medium lighting.
2. What type of Co2 system should I be looking at?
3. What type of plants should I buy? for low-medium light.

As for AH lighting system, can I retrofit 2x36W http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm into http://www.petlanddiscounts.com/detail.asp?product_id=287787 and will that provide enough lighting for the entire tank?

Thanks for taking your time to answer my questions :)

Edit: I've also had green spot algae growing everywhere, but I suspect that's a result of chemical imbalance and the tank being too close to the transparent balcony doors, to which heavy curtains were added recently.
 
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#2 ·
I have a 29 gallon and I run 2x24w t5ho with a 6500k bulb and a 10000k bulb. I also use an aquaticlife regulator with solenoid. It cost 140 for the regulator but it was worth it. My plants have been growing so fast I need to trim every 2 weeks.

From what I read t5s are superior to t8s.
 
#3 ·
You probably want a T5HO fixture similar to this in my opinion...http://www.amazon.com/Aqueon-Coralife-05618-Aqualight-Freshwater/dp/B0009YHU2I/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1332373591&sr=1-2

You may find that you only need one bulb running at a time. Really depends on lots of factors. You could get by with a pair of T8s like you have now, but that would be low light.

You need a regulator for any Co2, in my opinion. Personally I like this one... opinions vary. http://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-Regulator-COOL-TOUCH-SOLENOID/dp/B0041YLM7G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332373195&sr=8-1

You will also need a tank for the Co2...http://www.amazon.com/5-LB-CO2-Cylinder-Aluminum/dp/B0023VE8F2/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_3http://www.amazon.com/5-LB-CO2-Cylinder-Aluminum/dp/B0023VE8F2/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_3

You will also need some method of diffusion and some air line. It isn't a bad idea to get a drop checker as well so you can monitor the Co2 levels.

If you are injecting Co2 then you may also want to get rid of your HOB filter. They work fine, but they gas off Co2 more than a canister filter. No a big deal, just be aware that you will need to use more Co2.

With these items, good substrate, and a good fertilization regimen, you can pick whatever plants you want really. That said, you have a TON of reading to do. :biggrin:
 
#4 ·
Thanks for the replies. They have been very helpful so far :D
The other Clown Loach in my tank seems to be getting better after the death of it's partner :(. He just started eating again after 2 days and he's being active around the tank.

But my pH is still at 6.0. I have to do a gH test when I get home today, but what are some good methods of slowly bringing the pH up. At 6.0 pH if I inject Co2, I'm afraid that the water will become even more acidic and plants will begin rotting anyway. Even after ~30% water change, the pH goes back to 6.0 after 24 hours. The Nitrite and Nitrate are both near 0. It could be my driftwood but removing items would stress out my already stressed Loach.

What are some good methods of slowly bringing up the pH? I am more patient now than before so slow, low stress on fish methods will work for me :p.

I've tried baking soda once but I've had to keep using it. I've also read that feeding meaty foods will lower pH? I feed them dried bloodworms.

Thanks!
 
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