Hi all,
I'm starting to plan for a 75 gallon for my job. I've done low tech planted aquariums before, but on a much smaller scale (biggest was 20 gallons), so I have lots of questions!
I was looking at a T5 HO 48" dual lamp light - would this be appropriate for this tank? I'm thinking of plants like anubias, java ferns/moss, crypts, and maybe some stem plants for color or vals. We are not planning on adding any sort of CO2 to the tank.
I have always used things like eco-complete or fluorite for my smaller tanks. Are these still suitable for a 75 gallon? According to the substrate calculator, it seemed like I would need about 100 lbs of eco-complete to get a 2" soil base, which seemed pretty reasonable per amazons price. saw that a lot of people use actual soil with a sand cover over it, but I've never done this and it makes me nervous! Is there a lot of rinsing involved in cleaning the sand? I did a play sand tank once and it took forever to rinse all the sand for just a 20 gallon! I can't imagine that on a 75 scale!
Also wondering about filtration. I would think that a canister filter would be the right choice for this size tank, but I've only had experience with HOB filters. Can someone recommend a good brand/size canister? Are canisters relatively straightforward in terms of how easy they are to set up and maintain? They always seemed a little intimidating to me!
I would also need a heater since we're going tropical. Any recommendations?
In terms of fish species, I'm also completely open to suggestions! I want some interesting and eye catching species since this tank will be viewed by the public and I want there to be enough variety to keep people interested. I had been thinking about a largish school of rummynose tetra (I love these guys!), definitely some bristlenose plecos, amano shrimp (15?), kuhli loaches perhaps. We also have a loner clown loach left from the last little tank that was there. I was hoping to keep him and get him some buddies. I think I need a larger "centerpiece" sort of fish too. I had been thinking angels, but I worry about getting a small group and then having aggression once a breeding pair forms.
Anyway, that's all I've got for now! Hoping that you all can help me out. I'm very excited to work on this tank and want it to be as low maintenance as possible!
I'm starting to plan for a 75 gallon for my job. I've done low tech planted aquariums before, but on a much smaller scale (biggest was 20 gallons), so I have lots of questions!
I was looking at a T5 HO 48" dual lamp light - would this be appropriate for this tank? I'm thinking of plants like anubias, java ferns/moss, crypts, and maybe some stem plants for color or vals. We are not planning on adding any sort of CO2 to the tank.
I have always used things like eco-complete or fluorite for my smaller tanks. Are these still suitable for a 75 gallon? According to the substrate calculator, it seemed like I would need about 100 lbs of eco-complete to get a 2" soil base, which seemed pretty reasonable per amazons price. saw that a lot of people use actual soil with a sand cover over it, but I've never done this and it makes me nervous! Is there a lot of rinsing involved in cleaning the sand? I did a play sand tank once and it took forever to rinse all the sand for just a 20 gallon! I can't imagine that on a 75 scale!
Also wondering about filtration. I would think that a canister filter would be the right choice for this size tank, but I've only had experience with HOB filters. Can someone recommend a good brand/size canister? Are canisters relatively straightforward in terms of how easy they are to set up and maintain? They always seemed a little intimidating to me!
I would also need a heater since we're going tropical. Any recommendations?
In terms of fish species, I'm also completely open to suggestions! I want some interesting and eye catching species since this tank will be viewed by the public and I want there to be enough variety to keep people interested. I had been thinking about a largish school of rummynose tetra (I love these guys!), definitely some bristlenose plecos, amano shrimp (15?), kuhli loaches perhaps. We also have a loner clown loach left from the last little tank that was there. I was hoping to keep him and get him some buddies. I think I need a larger "centerpiece" sort of fish too. I had been thinking angels, but I worry about getting a small group and then having aggression once a breeding pair forms.
Anyway, that's all I've got for now! Hoping that you all can help me out. I'm very excited to work on this tank and want it to be as low maintenance as possible!