I'm planning out a 130 Gallon tank the outside dimensions of the tank are 72x18x24. I got the tank used but it is in great shape. It came with the glass top and a Rena XP4 canister. I'm piecing this together as money permits so this is just planning. I hope I can get it setup by October but we will see. I thought I would post this now as feedback is welcome and I can still make changes!
So far I have the lights purchased from Catalina 4 x 80 Watt T5HO. They are 60" bulbs so there is somewhat less light on the tank ends.
(I have been advised that this might be excessive light but this way I have some play room)
I will be using pressurized CO2 and I think I have decided on using Rex's regulator and reactor setup found here http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html plus a Milwaukee PH controller. I'm still thinking about the controller I'm not sure if it is a necessary expense.
The substrate I am going to give the Mineralized option a try. I'll have to use pool filter sand instead of the colorquartz as I have tried without success to find anyone locally that can supply it. And I'm really not prepared to pay the price of Florite or others from the LFS for this big a tank.
I'll need a heater my question with this is that will I need more than one with the added heat from the lights would one be sufficient?
I have a plant list started it is probably much too long and I don't know whether I will be able to get everything on it. I have looked at many of the LFS at plants and there selection is a bit lacking/and pricey for what is offered. I'm willing to order online but I'm in Canada and I'm aware of problems getting plants across the border. I know I'm going to need quite a few plants to get this started right off the bat. So I'm looking for options here but plenty of time.
This is the list like I said not sure I need this many but these are the ones I have decided I want to try.
Alternanthera reineckii 'rosaefolia
Anubia barteri nana
Bacopa caroliniana
Cardamine Lyrata
Ceratophyllum demersum
Echinodorus tenellus
Hemianthus callitrichoides
Hemianthus micranthemoides
Limnophila sessiliflora
Lobelia cardinalis
Ludwigia inclinata 'Cuba'
Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'
Myriophyllum mattogrossense
Nymphaea zenkeri
Prosperpinaca palustris
Vallisneria (type to be determined)
I have no swords my experience has been that they have all out grown the tank any suggestions are welcome my tank height is 24"
Any comments about whether the XP4 filter will be sufficient or if I need something else would be appreciated as well.
I'm sure I have forgotten stuff but this is what I have so far!
So far I have the lights purchased from Catalina 4 x 80 Watt T5HO. They are 60" bulbs so there is somewhat less light on the tank ends.
(I have been advised that this might be excessive light but this way I have some play room)
I will be using pressurized CO2 and I think I have decided on using Rex's regulator and reactor setup found here http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/CO2.html plus a Milwaukee PH controller. I'm still thinking about the controller I'm not sure if it is a necessary expense.
The substrate I am going to give the Mineralized option a try. I'll have to use pool filter sand instead of the colorquartz as I have tried without success to find anyone locally that can supply it. And I'm really not prepared to pay the price of Florite or others from the LFS for this big a tank.
I'll need a heater my question with this is that will I need more than one with the added heat from the lights would one be sufficient?
I have a plant list started it is probably much too long and I don't know whether I will be able to get everything on it. I have looked at many of the LFS at plants and there selection is a bit lacking/and pricey for what is offered. I'm willing to order online but I'm in Canada and I'm aware of problems getting plants across the border. I know I'm going to need quite a few plants to get this started right off the bat. So I'm looking for options here but plenty of time.
This is the list like I said not sure I need this many but these are the ones I have decided I want to try.
Alternanthera reineckii 'rosaefolia
Anubia barteri nana
Bacopa caroliniana
Cardamine Lyrata
Ceratophyllum demersum
Echinodorus tenellus
Hemianthus callitrichoides
Hemianthus micranthemoides
Limnophila sessiliflora
Lobelia cardinalis
Ludwigia inclinata 'Cuba'
Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'
Myriophyllum mattogrossense
Nymphaea zenkeri
Prosperpinaca palustris
Vallisneria (type to be determined)
I have no swords my experience has been that they have all out grown the tank any suggestions are welcome my tank height is 24"
Any comments about whether the XP4 filter will be sufficient or if I need something else would be appreciated as well.
I'm sure I have forgotten stuff but this is what I have so far!