Ordered all these ADA parts, now what?

[FlyPenFly]

Getting my first Iwagumi style aquascape and I'm new to plants in general.

The look that I'm going for is actually a sort of Irish/Scottish landscape:



In order to do this, I'm not looking for tall heavy growth but just a bed of low grass/moss/dwarf plants and the rocks with drift wood being the main sculpture.

I've ordered and will be receiving next week:

ADA 60p with Cover
Ebay Lily Pipes
Eheim 2211
Hydor 200w inline heater

1 x Aqua Soil - New Amazonia (9 liters) - Normal
1 x Horn Wood (M)
1 x Seiryu Stone 10lbs

Finnex Ray II Ultra Slim LED DS - Dual 7000k


So the questions I have are:


Do I need a CO2 system for what I have in mind? Is there a decent all in one system that is recommended?

Are there good cabinet stands where I can hide my heater and canister filter available for the 60p?

Do I need fertilizers or other aids?

Anything else I'm forgetting?

[Couesfanatic]

Green Leaf Aquariums makes an awesome all in one co2 setup, you will probably need it for low carpets.

ADA makes stands but they are very expensive. Most make their own or have them made.

GLA also has dry ferts, thats the cheapest route.

The 2211 is much underpowered for a 60p. I would run a 2215.

I love that style of aquariums. HC is used mostly for that type of stuff.

[TexasCichlid]

Plenty of material on the forum discussing carpet plants and their requirements, especially in that size tank. I would recommend taking a break and doing some search work to find out what you need. Minimalist tanks are unforgiving, in the sense that when something is wrong it is much more obvious.

[FlyPenFly]

Thanks, I guess it's just a matter of searching.

As far as stands go, it seems a number of people are using Ikea furniture.

I've been debating going along that route:
http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/40190135/

http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/20086682/

http://www.westelm.com/products/ever...-storage-f454/

http://www.westelm.com/products/rust...-counter-g567/

[TexasCichlid]

Many options. I use the return on a desk as my 60p stand.

[InannaMoon]

Ordered all that from ADA and what to do now? Ummm....take a second job to pay it all off?

Very, very jealous! Congrats and enjoy!

[Green_Flash]

1. In order to do this, I'm not looking for tall heavy growth but just a bed of low grass/moss/dwarf plants and the rocks with drift wood being the main

For the foreground plant you probably have these in mind; Hemianthus callitrichoides aka Dwarf Baby Tears (HC) or Glossostigma elatinoides (Glosso). However there are many others such as Ricca, Mini Glosso, MM, etc as well as moss carpets.

Do I need a CO2 system for what I have in mind? Is there a decent all in one system that is recommended?

You said you bought the Finnex Ray 2. That on a 60p would be considered high light, to avoid an algae farm you need CO2 and ferts. So I would recommend the ADA Speed regulator and EL valve or a GLA (Green leaf aquariums) regulator like the primo or atomic.

Are there good cabinet stands where I can hide my heater and canister filter available for the 60p?

In the US, for attractive modern stands that would fit seamless, no. There is ADA and custom built ADA "like". That said you can use whatever fits and is strong enough.

Do I need fertilizers or other aids?

If you have high light, yes. Dry ferts or liquid.

Anything else I'm forgetting?

the eheim 2211 is too weak, get a 2215 or 2217

[FlyPenFly]

Okay thanks that's very helpful. Especially on the plant recommendations. I have to figure out now how to order them...

I guess I could just return eheim 2211 to Marine Depot but I've cut up the tubes already a bit... they seem to be having a sale though so maybe I'll keep the 2211 around as a backup filter.

How much significantly louder is the 2217?

Should I consider getting a different light for my needs? Any recommendations?

This seems to be the only Nano currently in stock:
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-re...-solenoid.html

Is that all I need for CO2?

As far as ferts go, there seems to be a massive selection. For the type of plants I would want, any specific recommendations?

As far as stands again, I think I'm going to get this:
http://www.petco.com/product/101402/...escription-tab

25" W x 14.5" D x 27.87" H

Not a perfect flush fit but the little bit extra space may be nice. I also ordered the ADA mat to go along with the 60p.

[Couesfanatic]

2217 shouldn't be much louder it at all.

I wouldn't recommend doing the V2. I'd do the V3 if you want to do atomic. You can do a full size tank if you want. I would do a 5 pound CO2 tank and use the atomic one is that is what you want. Otherwise I would try a full blown system. (second link)
http://greenleafaquariums.com/co2-re...ulator-v3.html
http://greenleafaquariums.com/comple...o2-system.html

Those little co2 cartridges are going to go fast on your 60p. I would buy the second link I posted.

[FlyPenFly]

Hmmm should I just go with a weaker light and fertilizer? How about the FugeRay?

Having to continuously run CO2 seems kind of a bummer along with all that added bulk.

[Green_Flash]

I am using an eheim 2215 on my 60p right now and it is dead silent inside the cabinet.

for the co2:
well it really depends on the plants you like/want

I have read about HC carpets in low light with no c02 and ferts, I have also read about it dying in those conditions.

it comes down to variables basically, giving the plants the best conditions to grow and thrive.

[FlyPenFly]

I think I'm going to grow mostly dwarf baby tears, at least that's the plan right now. Since this is a plant that needs a lot of light, I'll stick with the Ray2.

I'm debating if I want to just use API CO2 booster or pick up a small micro system like this, the fluval 88:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=23680

Over 1 year, what's my estimated cost difference? If it's under $100, I don't mind just using the bottle solution as long as it's effective.

I really want to avoid any bigger solutions or bulk simply because I just don't have room, I live in Manhattan. I have nearly zero storage space left for extra gear. I think for the initial growth, I'll try the slight immersion method. That is, submerge only up to slightly above the bed. Then I'll put it next to the window with the Ray2 on, it's cloudy and dreary here in the winter.

What should I be looking for fertilizers? I'm planting it on ADA Amazonia.

[Couesfanatic]

I've never used those bottles but i'd doubt you would get more than a few weeks out of one. If you need something small, do the V3 and a 24 oz paintball tank. Its an awesome regulator and doesn't take up much space. Those cartridge co2 systems are a waste. You have to keep buying it from the maker.

API Co2 booster is garbage. Don't waste your money on it. You will get BBA if you can't keep the co2 levels consistent. I'd do the GLA atomic if you want to save space. Either that or go low tech.

[FlyPenFly]

Okay thanks.

It seems like the V3 isn't made for paintball tanks though?

It seems only the V1 and V2 come outfitted for paintball cans.

How long should I expect a 24oz paintball tank to last a 60p?

[Couesfanatic]

Good point. A 20 oz paintball tank for me at more than 1 bps lasted me almost 3 months. It all depends on how fast you run it. Honestly I got tired of changing the paintball tanks around. The bps would change every three months when I changed the tank. If you are tight on space then it should work good. If it was me I would do the 5 pounder though, no changing tanks near as often. I think someone makes a 2.5 pounder. That would be a good choice also.