Hello all,

I've barely scratched the surface of this site, though I can see it'll be a great resource. I'm about to re-new my 29, and in looking around, a lot has happened in 20 years. I think I'm most interested in the capped flourite substrate.

That said, here's where I am-29 gal with an Eheim 2213 and suction extractor. The canister is set up for particulate and bio filtration with an occasional chemi-zorb. I have regular gravel and inadequate lighting, and a 'medium' population of fish and plants. The light will be at least partially addressed as I have a twin strip due in next week. It's a twin tube AquaticLife with 6k bulbs.

So, could someone point me to a few links on the pros and cons of that substrate meathod? Does anyone want to encourage me to use something else?

Also, what filters do you prefer?

TIA
Greg

I Might start by if ur in georgia and close to the tennessee line, it might be worth driving up to chattanooga. i'd be more than happy to show you multiple methods. i have two different styles of filtration on two separate tanks.

a low tech, and a high tech tank. yada yada

otherwise,

substrate is a hot topic. if u plan on rearanging plants often dirt is not a good idea. ITS MESSY

flourite or gravel alone while dosing the water column with nutrients will work just fine
root tabs are also an effective alternative

aquasoil is an expensive but awesome alternative. its fired dirt so its dirt, but round granules so its more like gravel but with all the dirt awesomeness.

filters, sump or cannister are probabl ur best option.. hang on back filters do work well especially on a budget.
for me, i have a wet/dry sump on my 29 gallon. I LOVE IT.. i'll never go back to a hang on back power filter or cannister again

be careful with lights.. too much without the proper nutrients, plant biomass, and good maintenance routines will result in ALGAE!! everyones favorite friend!

Welcome!

Yes, a lot of new toys/gadgets in the last 20yrs., but the basics, fish, plants are the same.

My best advice is to study all the sub-forums. I believe reading the threads about problems and the follow-up advice is very helpful for new members. The problem with general advise is just that, it's general.

well said!

Why does the quote feature ask for a new title? E-mail notifications? Yes, I'm being lazy...pardon me.

HD, that's quite an offer and thank you. I may take you up on it. I go through Chatty on my way to Lexington from time to time, though I'd make a purpose trip for that.

And thanks Dogfish(you must have a big tank for that guy!), I am reading. Mostly it's the finer points I'm looking for. As noted, I have the basics but have never tried a full on plant tank. I have had varying success over the years; right now I have a bowl of Nana on the counter that I can't seem to pitch. Now I'd like to break that level of having plants to cultivating them.

HD, what are you calling 'low and high tech'?

I won't be the guy re-arranging every other week. I like to watch 'em grow. I would also like a dark substrate; at least on top for fish color.

From what little I've read, I was thinking flourite with a sand covering; mostly because I could choose the sand color. Is that backwards(bacerds) thinking?

I found the settings. On another forum I'm on they would've given me the business for being lazy...

Low or high tech is a cheap easy way of saying low light and non c02 or high light and with co2..

Sand will eventually get to the bottom of flourite. Smaller particles work their way to the bottom.. just use flourite, u can get brown, red, or black in it

OK, so now I'm considering the aquasoil, but not until I figure out my new light. Did I miss that it's Monday?!!? The new fixture won't fire; it only glows faintly on the labeled end. Bad fixture or stupid human trick?

I have a call in to the company, but they're on TG vacation.

Its sunday! Um what fixture is it? What kind of bulbs? And what kind of wall socket are u plugging it in to?

I'm having the luck of a Monday...

It's an AquaticLife T5 HO 30 with a 6k & a roseate. It's plugged into a grounded wall socket. 15A probably, maybe 20A

I was impressed with it until it didn't light. LOL

Are both bulbs in their sockets completely? That seems so inane but can make a difference on some fixtures. It for sure did when i used coralife light strips

Hello Old fsh bugger,

Have you looked into aquariumplants.com substrate?

It's Fsh Bagger. I spent a year or two in the retail end of the hobby.

That aquadurt looks interesting. The red river looks ok...better than their pics. They might be a twofer; I have a plant order started for them already.

Talked to tech at aquatic life. He said the ballast is self-protecting and so won't work if one bulb isn't happy. He's sending me a new pair, and I'm going to go check the ends again after 2 folks said it.

And hello caique. Is that like khaki?