new 29 gallon & I want to plant

533 Views 7 Replies 4 Participants Last post by if_fishes_were_wishes, Sep 18, 2007

zimbabwepegasus

Discussion Starter · Sep 17, 2007

Okay- so I went to a couple pet stores- good ones (granted mostly focused on reef tanks...), then I came here and read Rex's bit and now am so totally confused.

I was hoping to do a high light tank. I was told at one pet store that if I bought good lights, I wouldn't need a CO2 thingamabob (yeah, I don't have the lingo down). After reading on here a bit, I'm not sure this is accurate...

I guess the thing is- I don't have the money to spend on one and if it is remotely screw-upable would prefer not to try to build my own. Could I do a lower light in a 29 without a CO2 thing? Or do I basically need one to do a densely planted tank?

Second- is there a particular brand light that is preferred to others? I'm mostly a reptile kinda girl and everyone there knows UVB lights aren't created equal, don't know if it applies to fish tank lights as well.

Third- Am I going to need 3 bulbs or two on a 29 gallon?

LAST (I promise)- I have eight gazillion of those whisper style filters? I read something about not wanting one with a Bio...something... and I have a sneaking suspiscion that's exactly what I have. Two parter- Am I just making it more difficult on myself to have a whisper or is it really pretty much impossible? Secondly- what kind of reasonably priced filter do I want?

Thanks all! Glad to be here!

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

zackish

· #2 · Sep 17, 2007

I have a 29 gallon tank and here is what I do.
DIY Co2, Rex's ferts and this light:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...fefreshwateraqualight24powercompactlight1x65w
My plants are doing pretty well, could be better if I started dosing ferts earlier but whatever.
Anyways, anything with a light like that without at least DIY Co2 is just asking for algae.
My DIY kind of broke or whatever you want to call it for a week and I found myself with some serious BBA (black beard algae)

As far as filter you don't want somethign disrupting the waters surface, I would go with a canister. I have a Rena Filstar xP2 on my 29 and it works great. It was $75 and the light was $55 so be prepared to spend some money. You could try a cascade filter but I don't know how those are. Even cheaper than a Rena but a Rena to me seems like the best bang for your buck as I have had no problems yet.

Save

eyebeatbadgers

· #3 · Sep 17, 2007

Welcome to the forum !!

zimbabwepegasus said:
I don't have the money to spend on one and if it is remotely screw-upable would prefer not to try to build my own.

A DIY light is best reserved for those who have a decent understand of electricity and are generally handy. This may or may not be for you.

zimbabwepegasus said:
Could I do a lower light in a 29 without a CO2 thing? Or do I basically need one to do a densely planted tank?

You can do a low light tank ( these tanks are referred to as "low-tech" ) These tanks to not utilize CO2 injection. However, your plant choice are limited, and growth will be slower. Also, you may have less chance of huge algae outbreak in a lower light tank. It's not a bad place to start for a newbie.

zimbabwepegasus said:
Second- is there a particular brand light that is preferred to others? I'm mostly a reptile kinda girl and everyone there knows UVB lights aren't created equal, don't know if it applies to fish tank lights as well.

You get what you pay for when it comes to lights. If you're looking for a low light tank, two T-8 or T-12 bulbs over your tank will suffice. If you're looking for something a little faster paced, you'll want either T-5 or Power Compact bulbs. These are higher priced than regular fluorescent fixtures. For a 30" fixture to fit your 29 gallon tank, expect to pay over $100 for a quality power compact fixture. Yes, it is pricey, but it is a very important part of keeping a planted tank. Your biggest expenses in this hobby will be lights and CO2.

zimbabwepegasus said:
Third- Am I going to need 3 bulbs or two on a 29 gallon?

This depends on the wattage of your bulbs, and if you want a "high-light" tank, or a "low-light" tank. I have two 55 watt power compacts over my tank. They provide a lot of light and quick plant growth. However, as aforementioned, high light needs higher CO2 and fertilizers. Without a balanced equation, you have nothing but an algae riddled tank.

zimbabwepegasus said:
LAST (I promise)- I have eight gazillion of those whisper style filters? I read something about not wanting one with a Bio...something... and I have a sneaking suspiscion that's exactly what I have. Two parter- Am I just making it more difficult on myself to have a whisper or is it really pretty much impossible? Secondly- what kind of reasonably priced filter do I want?

Thanks all! Glad to be here!

The Rena canister filters are excellent products for the price. I myself do not have one yet, but will purchase one when funds allow. I currently use a Whisper type filter, called "Hang on back" filters, or HOB. The surface agitation that the outgoing water causes, allows CO2 to leave the tank more quickly. If you inject pressurized CO2, this might not be a big problem, but if you use a yeast reactor, or no additional CO2 at all, it can be a big deal.

If you're just starting out, you may want to wait a while for the high wattage lights, expensive filters, and CO2 tanks. Check out these links for some good places to find lights, filters, and some DIY CO2 info.

https://www.drsfostersmith.com/

http://www.ahsupply.com/
^^ Their lights are top notch
http://www.bigalsonline.com/

http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html
^^ Awesome DIY CO2 info

Hope this helps a little. Everyone here is helpful, and will get you set on your way.

Most importantly, before you do any buying, do PLENTY of research. This will save you time, headaches, and money in the long run.

See less See more

Save

zimbabwepegasus

Discussion Starter · #4 · Sep 17, 2007

Thank you so much!

I looked at the CO2 devices and was also pretty much told that a good one would run $150 and I guess it requires more than the picture in my head for me to be willing to drop that kind of money.

So I think I will just start with a low light tank and as soon as I become totally obsessed drop money on a prettier tank!

You guys were both very helpful. Thanks again!

Save

zimbabwepegasus

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 17, 2007

One more Q...
Are all Renas canister pumps?

Save

eyebeatbadgers

· #6 · Sep 17, 2007

No problem. I've got a feeling you'll catch the bug pretty quickly. I do recommend, even with the low light tank, going with some DIY CO2. It costs less than thirty bucks (depending on your diffusion method), and will significantly improve your plants' growth. If you have any questions on that or anything else, feel free to fire away

Save

zackish

· #7 · Sep 17, 2007

zimbabwepegasus said:
One more Q...
Are all Renas canister pumps?

Canister Filters, yes...www.bigalsonline.com is the cheapest I have seen for them.

Save

if_fishes_were_wishes

· #8 · Sep 18, 2007

You could run 2 of your power filters on the tank until you get a canister, that's what I did for the longest time. Even if you get a canister, say an Eheim Ecco (my favorite), you could still run a Whisper in conjunction with it. Just keep the water levels high so there is no trickling and not much CO2 will be driven out.

A Whisper shouldn't have a Bio-wheel. If your filter is clear plastic, no Bio-wheel, if it's black and has a spinning filter-type thing where the water flows out, you have a Bio-wheel. Don't quote me on that

Save

1 - 8 of 8 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month