Q's about a soon to be planted tank.

[Nautilus29]

First of all the tank I have is a 20g high. Right now I have it cycling, I figured once it's cycled I would first establish the plant and then add fish. It has 2 wpg of light, and I figured that if needed I would add a diy co2 system.

I was wondering that in a moderate to high planted tank, would I need to add co2 or nutrience if I had the tank well stocked with fish? I know it's different for every tank but I was hoping you guys can give me some advice based on past experience.

Oh btw I have a ( I thinkk) black florite substrate covered with sand.

[rich311k]

If you stay with th lighting you have you should be all right, maybe Flourish Comprehensive once a week is all. Since it is a high tank I really think that is all you will need.

What kind of light do you have?

[Nautilus29]

I can't think of the name of it right now but it looks like 4 tubes conected at the ends and it's all one light

[Nautilus29]

It's some kind of wierd looking floresent bulb.

[rich311k]

Sounds like T-5 0r PC. that will give you nice lighting.

Watch your plants, if they start to yellow or get holes in the leaves you will need to supplement your ferts.

If algae starts getting ahead of the plants then you should consider CO2 or adding Excel.

Plant heavily from the start it makes things much easier.

[Nautilus29]

Ya now that you say the name it's a t-5. I'm not planning on adding fish for a month or so after I add the plants, will I temporaraly have to add co2? Thanks for the help!

[rich311k]

No. Fish do not give off enough CO2 for the plants to even notice. If you need CO2 you will have to add it. Time and algae will tell.