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.
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.