Planted 29G FW Tank

[HolyAngel]

Hey everyone,
I'm a bit new to the forum here but i've been reading along for the past couple weeks now and just been working on my tank. I started it in march of this year. This is the first tank i've actually fully owned and worked on and i'm enjoying it immensely so thought I would share. Also looking for a litle advice too ^^

Tank specs:
29 Gallon tank, 30"x12"x24"(?)
Freshwater
1 T-8 Life-glo bulb/fixture
Tank is Cycled
Regular Aquarium heater (nothin special here)
Top Fin 20 + Top Fin 30 HOB Filters
No salt
CaribSea Super Naturals Tahitian Moon Sand Substrate(Just replaced the old gravel about a week ago)

API Master Liquid Test kit
Neutral Regulator for ph 7/buffering - works great!
Prime for conditioning - always
Flourish for my plants

Fish:
5 Harlequin Rasboras
4 Emerald Cory's
2 Peppered Cory's
4 Guppies + fry tank w/ 12 others.
6 Zebra Nerite snails

--

I originally started with the rasbora's and 5 glo-fish(danios), but the glo-fish slowly died 1 after the other in the span of about 5 months, and i replaced with the guppies, had 2 die but have lots of fry now too in a seperate tank so it's fine.

Other than that everyone is happy and doing great. Water Parameters have always been spot on at 0 since i've had the fish so im thinking it was just from old-age or bad stock as yeah, none of the other fish have ever showed signs of stress or anything and my water is perfect and has been..

Here's the pics:













Best i could do with my iphone, they don't look too bad tho ^^
I just replaced the gravel with the Tahitian Moon less than a week ago so hence the gravel in the panty hose :P

The advice I'm looking for is:

1.) I have to replace at least the Top Fin 30 as the impeller is starting to die in it, and I'm not sure whether to just get another HOB, or go to a canister filter, and if so, which canister filter, and should i keep the 20HOB with it? I know they're all prone to leaking as i've been reading the reviews, but is it worth it to spend the ~70 on a JEBO or SunSun, or just shell out the ~150 and get a nice marineland C series or Ehiem(sp?)?

2.) I am interested in possibly upgrading my lighting, but i don't want to do CO2 injection at all. I know the guides say T-5HO's are much stronger than T-8's, but there's actually only a 300 lumen difference between the Life-Glo 6500k T-8 20w @~1470 Lumens (which i already have) and the Life-Glo II 6500k T-5HO 20W @~1710 Lumens. Obivously they're not that much stronger, just a bit more efficient..

So I can get either a dual t-8 fixture for cheap ($33) and run another bulb like i already have, or get a single/dual t-5 fixture for $100+ and one/two new bulbs. Personally 300 lumens isn't much of a difference to warrant an extra $100.. The plants grow as it is, especially the wisteria, but the swords, I know, could do much better.

So basically I want more light for my plants, but i don't want to go so strong of a light that i *NEED* CO2 for them.. So should i just stick with what i have or upgrade and which route? dual t-8's or single/dual t-5?

Thanks! and hope you guys enjoy ^^

[Wasserpest]

1.) I have to replace at least the Top Fin 30 as the impeller is starting to die in it, and I'm not sure whether to just get another HOB, or go to a canister filter, and if so, which canister filter, and should i keep the 20HOB with it? I know they're all prone to leaking as i've been reading the reviews, but is it worth it to spend the ~70 on a JEBO or SunSun, or just shell out the ~150 and get a nice marineland C series or Ehiem(sp?)?

This is something you need to decide for yourself. If you don't mind the HOB filter hanging from the back of your tank, and you are not planning on injecting CO2, check out the Hagen AquaClear line of HOBs. They are quiet, reliable (if you clean the impeller once in a while), and don't use "cartridges", but instead very durable sponges that do a nice job for mech and bio filtration.

Canisters are easier to hide in a stand, and have potentially larger media chambers. Obviously higher expense, and more complex beasts compared to HOBs. Cleaning an Aquaclear filter is much quicker and easier than cleaning any canister filter.

2.) I am interested in possibly upgrading my lighting, but i don't want to do CO2 injection at all. I know the guides say T-5HO's are much stronger than T-8's, but there's actually only a 300 lumen difference between the Life-Glo 6500k T-8 20w @~1470 Lumens (which i already have) and the Life-Glo II 6500k T-5HO 20W @~1710 Lumens. Obivously they're not that much stronger, just a bit more efficient..

So I can get either a dual t-8 fixture for cheap ($33) and run another bulb like i already have, or get a single/dual t-5 fixture for $100+ and one/two new bulbs. Personally 300 lumens isn't much of a difference to warrant an extra $100.. The plants grow as it is, especially the wisteria, but the swords, I know, could do much better.

So basically I want more light for my plants, but i don't want to go so strong of a light that i *NEED* CO2 for them.. So should i just stick with what i have or upgrade and which route? dual t-8's or single/dual t-5?

If you are not planning to inject CO2, and aren't familiar with the other nutrients, I'd recommend not to upgrade to T5HO's. It's not just the lumens which make the difference. The smaller diameter means that they are brighter (which really counts for plants) and often they are outfitted with much better reflectors which increases the amount of light going into the tank.

If you think that just by increasing the light you will improve plant growth you are missing the nutrient side of plant requirements. Increased photosynthetic activity requires appropriate nutrient levels for plants to build there substance. If "everything is 0" incl nitrates then algae troubles would be just a question of time.

I think the dual T8 fixture will give you better success in the beginning, until you are ready to tinker with CO2 and fertilizers.

[HolyAngel]

Originally Posted by Wasserpest

[I]
This is something you need to decide for yourself. If you don't mind the HOB filter hanging from the back of your tank, and you are not planning on injecting CO2, check out the Hagen AquaClear line of HOBs. They are quiet, reliable (if you clean the impeller once in a while), and don't use "cartridges", but instead very durable sponges that do a nice job for mech and bio filtration.

Canisters are easier to hide in a stand, and have potentially larger media chambers. Obviously higher expense, and more complex beasts compared to HOBs. Cleaning an Aquaclear filter is much quicker and easier than cleaning any canister filter.

--

If you are not planning to inject CO2, and aren't familiar with the other nutrients, I'd recommend not to upgrade to T5HO's. It's not just the lumens which make the difference. The smaller diameter means that they are brighter (which really counts for plants) and often they are outfitted with much better reflectors which increases the amount of light going into the tank.

If you think that just by increasing the light you will improve plant growth you are missing the nutrient side of plant requirements. Increased photosynthetic activity requires appropriate nutrient levels for plants to build there substance. If "everything is 0" incl nitrates then algae troubles would be just a question of time.

I think the dual T8 fixture will give you better success in the beginning, until you are ready to tinker with CO2 and fertilizers.

I don't mind the HOB's, but a nicer looking tank and better flow is always a good thing in my mind ^^
I have heard about the aquaclear hob's and will look into them, but was mainly wondering if a canister would overall just be better for the tank than any hob i could go with, and then, would i even still *need* to use one at all with the canister. I don't mind the extra work there if it'll be better for my tank environment and the fish.

--

As for the nutrients, i use Flourish for the plants, thats pretty much everything the plants need.. And i have iron tablets for them as well but haven't put them in since i changed to sand, they definitely contributed to some algea growth I know, but i have the nerites for the majority of any algae that comes along now and can deal with the rest.

The dual t-8 fixture was what i was thinking tho, thanks for the input

[Clint]

Well if you just want to run one filter:
Hob wise, a Tetra Whisper 60 is a cheap but nice working option and would give more than enough flow (which is controllable).
Canister wise a Sunsun hw-302 would be more than enough filtration (the new ones say "perfect" on the box instead of Sunsun). It only costs $50-$60 after shipping. You can only get them on ebay (search for external canister filter). I use one on my 29 gallon, the built in surface skimmer is nice.
Sand has a lower chance of getting into a canister filters impeller than a Hob. One nice thing about tetra though, if your impeller starts rattling, they usually send you a new one for free.

If you go with a aquaclear HOB, I'd buy a uncut blue bonded filter pad also( http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.co...fm?pcatid=5277 ). It's only $4 and you can cut it to size and place it on top of the filters sponge. One package will probably last you a few years if you don't use it for anything else. I just keep rinsing the piece I cut over and over. My first piece lasted about 10 months before I replaced it. (the sponge alone on the aquaclear doesn't grab the smaller waste particles, and the blue bonded pad is easier to deal with than the poly fill stuff).

For light on my 29 gallon, I went with a 30" Coralife Aqua Light t-5 (2 x 18watt N.O.). So far my plants seem to be doing ok, they aren't growing fast (except my vals), and aren't dieing either. I don't use any ferts or co2 yet, just have eco complete and flora max substrates capped off with some deep river gravel.

Here is a pic of the canister filter i mentioned:

[HolyAngel]

Awesome!

I looked at the 'Perfect' HW-302 and wasn't sure if that was the real deal or not but now I think that is definitely what I will get to replace my dying HOB.

And I will remember that blue foam pad if i continue to use an HOB in the future, thats a very good idea and *would* help, thanks ^^

Same goes for the lighting, thats exactly the info I was looking for

So right now, what I think i'm actually going to do, is a somewhat DIY-retro-fit of my current stock hood so i can also put in a 24" 'blacklight' strip that i've had laying around for a couple months now.
Reason being is I checked and the strip will take the same t-8 bulb as i'm already using, the life-glo 24" 20w t-8, and the strip fits inside nicely right next to the stock light once i remove the stock plastic casing it sits in. There's plenty of room.

So the plan is to buy another life-glo 20w t-8 to make it two, do a little rewiring so i can move the ballast/starters either behind the light or on top of the hood, and then put in some kind of reflector behind the bulbs and mount it all and i should be good to grow.

I already have it working with duct tape at the moment as a rough idea to prove that it works, i just didn't have time to break out the dremel to modify the hood and run the wires yet. I'll post pics tonight when I get off work here.


Thanks for info

[HouseofZoo]

I have the Sunsun hw-302 along with the 30" Coralife T5NO fixture on my 29g also.

I'm so glad I purchased the Sunsun, it has done amazing things for my water clarity.

I don't know much about lighting, but I'm not sure adding another t-8 would give you the results you're looking for. You can purchase a double light T5NO from Big Als for $52.99 plus shipping. Keep it a couple of inches above the tank and you'd still be low light (but I could be wrong).

JMO, but I think your tank would look heaps better also without the coral background on it.

[HolyAngel]

lol really about the background? :P Think just painted black would look better?
I thought about it..

As for the sunsun, mine is on the way! the same HW-302, am definitely looking forward to it arriving ^^

And i was able to take a part the stock hood and retrofit an old blacklight strip into it along with the original ballast/bulb, used aluminum foil for a makeshift reflector, and bought a Power-Glo bulb to go with the Life-Glo bulb i already have. it's not as bright as the life-glo, but puts out some extra red and blue spectrums that the plants need.

so far, it's been working very well, my swords and java fern are definitely perking up and have a nice bright shade of green to them. Best I could ask for considering all i had to do was buy the bulb and move some stuff around.

Pictures coming soon.

[HolyAngel]

hmm.. I was hoping my canister filter would've been here by now but it looks like it'll be monday. Thought I should update anyways tho.

I ended up removing the gravel bags wednesday evening due to a nice algae bloom that happened from the left over root tabs that were in there coupled with the new bulb setup.

But of course, that put my tank into a little mini-cycle so I'm doing daily water changes until it gets balanced again. Also got some root tabs for all the plants put in last night since I hadn't done that yet and they're definitely looking like they need it.

Also ordered flourish nitrogen/potassium and excel, I didn't bother with phosphorous yet as thats usually in pretty good abundance in the tank already. So those are on the way and should compliment the flourish comprehensive i'm already using. (been really studying the water/fertilizer forum)

From my understanding from the forum, my current setup, and past experiences, I shouldn't have to dose much since i don't have high light, but it should work nicely, we'll see soon ^^

Here's the latest shots i have since tuesday. More once the canister gets here and i get everything setup.

Top of the tank/modified hood


Modified hood w/2 24" 20W T-8's, 1 Life-Glo 6700k, 1 Power-Glo 18,000k


Tank with the modified hood


Snail!

[HolyAngel]

Ok, haven't updated here in while. I finally got the sunsun 302 canister filter about two weeks ago, it's a massive improvement over the HOB's i've been using for years. I don't think I could go back ^^

Also am now dosing the entire flourish line of ferts, (excel, nit, pot, phos, iron, & comprehensive) as of the last week, altho the phosphorous didn't come in until today so will be adding that as soon as i get home. The plants look good otherwise, but i'm betting they're missing the phosphorous as I know they could look better.

Also upgraded the lighting again, am now at 2 wpg of T8's, 3 bulbs(1 flora-sun 5k, 1 life-glo 6.7k, & 1 power-glo 18k) with aluminum reflectors. I just have to switch the power-glo bulb out for another flora-sun or life-glo bulb, as I noticed the Power-Glo is tending to grow more algea in my tank then helping my plants. Unless someone has any better suggestions for a bulb, thats what i'm planning on doing for now.

Also have done a bit of pruning, and added some bacopa. I'm *still* waiting on my sweetaquatics order, it's been 11 days now and no response from them after payment..

Here's some pics, don't mind the pirate ship lol gf made me put it back in there, and i still have to take off the ammonia meter and whatnot on the left of the tank plus a little cleaning

http://i1210.photobucket.com/albums/...f/IMG_0700.jpg

[Sluggo]

How are your Cory cats faring with the new substrate? Tahitian Moon is generally considered to be too sharp around the edges for them.

[HolyAngel]

Originally Posted by Sluggo

How are your Cory cats faring with the new substrate? Tahitian Moon is generally considered to be too sharp around the edges for them.

When I changed out the gravel and went to the Tahitian Moon I saw a massive change in their behavior, much more natural, they *love* the sand and always are about sifting through it. I don't believe it's sharp at all.. altho I could see where it may kind of look that way. I haven't ever had any problems with it or injuries. I don't think i'll ever go back to a gravel substrate

[HolyAngel]

ok, it's been awhile, the new changes are:

3 - 2xODNO 20w T8's
changed filter end to a Fluval Edge Pre-Filter
added an 18w UV Sterilizer to clear up the water

Fauna:
5 cardinal tetras
10 red cherry shrimp

Flora:
2 Hydrophila Angustifola
8-10 Echinidorus Tenellus
2 Cabomba
1 melted pennywort
2 different kinds of moss, haven't identified yet

I'm still dosing all Seachem ferts but have been withholding nitrogen to keep my nitrates down a bit, then I may resume if the plants need it or nitrates don't stay up. I think I will be giving the guppies back to my LFS as a) they're munching on my zebra nerites now and b) my tank is for sure over stocked at the moment.

here's some updates (will try and work on a new camera soon)





Haven't quite decided on an aqua/hard scape yet.. Am definitely open for ideas

The chain swords i recieved from sweetaquatics.com were all 6-7 inches tall, literally taller than than the hygrophila when i got it lol. thankfully, they all seem to be growing in pretty short now though. I'm still waiting to trim off the last of the tall leaves as they melt.

[WeedCali]

How do you see the plants reacting the the light change?

[HolyAngel]

what do you mean exactly?

Before, when I started the tank, I was using the stock hood with the single 17w flourescent. Now I have around 4x that amount of light with the 3 bulbs @ 2xODNO.

There was a *noticeable* difference in the plants and how they grow, especially if you watch them daily-morning/night. Almost all the plants are pearling now with 1-2bps coming off the leaves by mid-afternoon.

They're all staying pretty short now and getting bushy, instead of climbing to the top of the tank, seemingly, as fast as they could. And after trimming the one's that were tall from before, the internodes of the new growth are much closer together than they were before, instead of 5/8-1" between sets of leaves on the stem, it's now only 1/4-1/3" of stem between them.

Hope thats what you were asking

[HolyAngel]

Any chance I could get this moved over to the Journal section? Seems like thats where it should go now :P

Anyways, some updates ^^

I've done a tad bit of rescaping. Moved the hygro angustifolia to the back, brought the narrow leaf chain swords up front, and moved the amazon swords to the right. Still letting everything grow in a bit before i decide to do anything else, I don't have much of a talent for scaping yet but i'm trying.

Took all the guppies, save for 2 fry that I missed, back to my LFS sadly as yeah, they were munching on my nerites and possibly attacked some of Cherries The 2 fry tho are still very small, and have been extremely peaceful so far, so they'll probably get to stay as long as they're the same sex. I can't have 20-40 guppy fry in this 29 gallon every month so, it was getting ridiculous and seems very irresponsible to me to have these fish and then always try and pawn off the spawn to the LFS every single time.

Anyways, since the guppies are gone, i added a kuhli loach (i know they're not supposed to be by themselves, i'm on the hunt for 3-4 more) and the tank should be done in terms of fishy. I think i'm fully stocked with:
5 Cardinal Tetras
8 Harlequin Rasbora's
7 Cory's(2 peppered, 1 julii, 4 bronze)
the 1 soon to be 3-4 kuhli loaches
the ~10 or so cherry shrimp
and 3 Zebra Nerite snails

here's some pics.

Front shot of the whole tank


Left side


Right side


My biggest cherry looking like she's about to molt and my Kuhli you can barely make out in his 'cave' under the pirate ship ^^