[perhaps]

Hi all...

First of all, thanks for letting me have a chance to be in such a nice forum. I am new here and to planted tanks, so I actually need your ideas about what to do.

Well, I have been in the hobby for over 10 years dealing with Malawis, which tells why I didnt use to be interested in planted tanks. I never give up on Malawis. However I decided to set up a new planted tank using my backup tank in my office and I have been reading what I found about planted tanks for weeks. It seems quite nice but difficult at the same time. So your suggestions are very important to me.

My planted tank will be about 160 L (about 40 US g). I'll be giving yeast CO2 and having about 60 W grolux bulbs. I think this should have been higher, at least 80 W or something like that but it seems nearly impossible to put more bulbs within the top cover because of a lack of space. I haven't decided what kind of plants I will have but I will try to find not that hard ones.

Many people around tell me to find a high quality substrat but the term "quality" extreamly depends on many different approachs. Therefore, I am thinking to use a suitable sand, peat and aquaclay.

As for the location of the tanks, the problem hits me especially here. Because I can provide only 60 W for the 40 g tank, I am thinking to put it close to the window so that daylight could be useful for the plants, but what about the algaes? The tank will not get direct sunlight but I am not sure if it is a good idea to keep it very close to the window. Shouldn't I do this, I don't have enough light though?

 

[pittiepride]

Welcome to the forum1 Substrate is a personal thing and everyone has their own opinion, it does help to know what types of plants you want to grow. If growing lots of column feeders (as opposed to root feeders) you may get away with a less nutrient dense substrate.

As for the natural light, I would avoid natural light due to the inconsistency. You will surely have algae problems if the tank is exposed to natural light. Your picture shows that it would be indirect natural light which should be fine, just don't rely on it to do much.

As for the lights, you can look into different types of lights that give you more wattage for the space they take up. You can buy retrofit kits or an assembled bar (such as a Coralife brand for example); they come in varying lengths and generally have more 'K' and wattage values.

Good luck and keep us updated.

kara

 

[perhaps]

Thanks Kara...

It was not that easy, but I was able to add one more 18 W to the top cover in the end, which means I have 78 W for 40 gallons. Do you think this is good enough to put the tank anywhere I wish in the office or it is still a good idea to locate it close to the window to get succes.

Thanks,

Emrah

 

[perhaps]

Well, doing my best, I have 97 watts of light for my 40 g tank now. Do you think this is powerful enough not to depend on daylight to create a "good" planted tank, so I can be free to put the tank anywhere in the office, or a bit more light will still be better? I actually need that advice...

Thanks...

 

[Gerald the Mouse]

97w on a 40g is about 2.4wpg, so in the original spot would be good. With direct sunlight you will have MAJOR algae issues.

 

[Green Leaf Aquariums]

I think it would be ok.