New low-tech tank Q's

2021 Views 9 Replies 9 Participants Last post by NeonShrimp, Jan 7, 2008

PhishTank

Discussion Starter · Dec 18, 2007

Hello, I am new here but have been checking out the forum for over a week. I am starting a new low-tech tank. Here are the details:

37g AGA
55w aqualight
fluval 204
aquaclear 300
50w heater (2)
EcoComplete 40lbs
Driftwood
Low light plants
Tetras, otos, etc...

My first question is with the filters. I believe I have more than enough filtration with the fluval and aquaclear. I plan on putting the heaters in the aquaclear to minimize equipment in the tank. My question is, will the surface agitation from the aquaclear cause any problems in terms of CO2 retention? I also plan to use Excel. If it would be better to not use the aquaclear I would do that.

My second question is regarding the plants. What are some low light plants that will grow tall? This is a relatively tall tank and I would like some of the background plants to reach near the top.

Any other suggestions or comments would be great.

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stagius

· #2 · Dec 18, 2007

Since you will be running a low tech tank, which means low light, and no CO2 injection, an agitated water surface would not be a problem for your setup.
You can dose excel with a HOB filter. I dont see why not.

As for low light plant that will grow tall, I would suggest you to get a amazon sword, any sword would do the trick. There are also vals italian, which is my favorite. These plants will sure be a easy plant, requiring only minimal light and care.

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alang

· #3 · Dec 19, 2007

PhishTank said:
... I plan on putting the heaters in the aquaclear to minimize equipment in the tank. ...

Total newb here. I am preping my first planted tank. I bought a canister filter, but have 2 aquaclears that came with the tank. How do you put a heater in the aquaclear? The tank came with a big "stick on the inside" heater, but if I could get away with external heating somehow that would be cool. I bought a Fluval filter, and inlines are supposed to be difficult with their hoses, so I am looking for options.

I'm visual, so pics would help.

Thanks

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PhishTank

Discussion Starter · #4 · Dec 19, 2007

My aquaclear is large enough to hold a 50w heater placed diagonally inside the the main body of the filter with the filter pad. I am going to put them in there. If anyone sees any problems with that please let me know.

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deleted_user_10

· #5 · Dec 22, 2007 (Edited)

PhishTank - since you are going low tech I would suggest you look for some fast growers too. As stagius suggested, amazon sword, the only thing to know about amazons is that they get HUGE. I had one in my 55gal that took up half my tank. I hated to part with it, but I was moving on to different scapes. I love swords though. I highly would recommend them. I currently have 2 different ones in my 55gal. at this time.
edit: To work on your CO2 retention try this. Only run your Fluval during the day, with the output about 3-4" below the water surface, when CO2 production and absorption is highest. Or just turn the flow rate very low, I know Fluval's can be a pain to prime.
Run your Aquaclear at night when CO2 production/absorption is reduced and O2production is the least. Should keep your fish happy with O2. Switch the filter timing about an hour after your lights come on. If that's inconvenient due to work etc. try a timer for your Aquaclear to shut if off.

Most any online plant retailer will have a list of low-light plants, and you can google your way from there till you find what you are looking for.

alang - I don't know what series Fluval you have, but these are what your looking for to plumb anything in line with a Fluval. Just make sure the equipment you are plumbing will fit the size of the adapter.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/215349/product.web

Hope some of this helps. Good Luck all!

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jinx©

· #6 · Dec 22, 2007

Here's a great list of low light plants.

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shwerm601

· #7 · Dec 23, 2007

PhishTank said:
My aquaclear is large enough to hold a 50w heater placed diagonally inside the the main body of the filter with the filter pad. I am going to put them in there. If anyone sees any problems with that please let me know.

Make sure your filter is ok to be used diagonally. Most are horizontal or vertical only due to the non-electronic themostat I believe. And these models will not function properly diagonally. Correct me if I am wrong here anyone...

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yy17616433

· #8 · Jan 6, 2008

That is sure!!!
〖^o^〗^o^ 〖^o^〗
naruto
comic
Angel Sanctuary
:icon_roll

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crazie.eddie

· #9 · Jan 6, 2008

PhishTank said:
My aquaclear is large enough to hold a 50w heater placed diagonally inside the the main body of the filter with the filter pad. I am going to put them in there. If anyone sees any problems with that please let me know.

I tried a 50watt heater on an Emperor 280 Filter. There was plenty of room for the heater, but the heater seemed to remain on all the time and it never really got the tank to my preferred temp of over 80°F, even with the heater set at the highest temp. You may want to look at a canister filter and use a Hydor inline heater.