Substrate change needed?

1071 Views 5 Replies 5 Participants Last post by iridescencet, Oct 15, 2007

Stargazer

Discussion Starter · Sep 21, 2007

I'm currently running a tank with Tropheus which I will be turning into a low tech planted tank with the fish staying. Lighting upgrade will be 4x39 T5 HO and the current substrate is 3M coated quartz. Would this substrate be sufficient for plants such as Vals, swords and Crypts or would I need to switch it out with something like SMS?

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plantbrain

· #2 · Sep 22, 2007

Onyx sand would be ideal.
Do not ADD TOO MUCH LIGHT.
T5's are pretty high powered.
1.5w/gal is a max for low tech.

Regards,
Tom Barr

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Stargazer

Discussion Starter · #3 · Sep 22, 2007

Thanks. After reading a bit more on here I realize that, for the best results, I will have to use a substrate that is more suitable for plants than what is in there now. Don't look forward to swapping it out as I didn't mention this is a 180 gl (72x24x24) tank.

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bsmith

· #4 · Sep 22, 2007

Stargazer said:
Thanks. After reading a bit more on here I realize that, for the best results, I will have to use a substrate that is more suitable for plants than what is in there now. Don't look forward to swapping it out as I didn't mention this is a 180 gl (72x24x24) tank.

man i thought redoing my 55 sucked!

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styxx

· #5 · Sep 24, 2007

OMG, you really need some help with that! Good luck!

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iridescencet

· #6 · Oct 15, 2007

O.O! man good luck with swapping out the substrate. oh and try not to scratch the glass. the last thing you'd want after a hard day's work is to realise it didnt all turn out so well. best of luck!

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