planting the tank questions.

[souly]

Okay, so I'm thinking planting my tank, and the substrate is just basic gravel. If I decide to plant would I have to buy an 1st layer substrate for plants? I really could use the plants to help cut back on my NO3 levels in the tank, as well as alge etc. So basic question, will I need an under gravel layer for them?

[Lab_Rat]

It depends on what plants you're interested, but for most rooted plants the root tabs and ferts should work ok without you needing special substrate. Lighting would be more of a concern than the substrate.

[-Lp]

+1 for Lab Rats lighting comment.

I've posted this pic elsewhere, but I'm just so proud of it. This was my first attempt at a planted tank. Regular gravel was used, and two 10w cfls. I do have a diy co2 system hooked up, no ferts, and I'm just so thrilled at how well it's progressed. I'm not sure ATM the exact names of every plant in there, but I know I bought ones that were fairly easy to keep. A caring hand, with some time and effort, and you should have no problems. Enjoy, planted tanks are neat!

http://img.geocaching.com/cache/d4a258fc-e42d-4aea-8f64-20bc3638c1d4.jpg

[annageckos]

I just use play sand and root tabs for the root feeders. I dose ferts and exel too. But you don't have too. Root tabs would be recomended though.

[Kazenouta]

+1 for Lab Rats lighting comment.

I've posted this pic elsewhere, but I'm just so proud of it. This was my first attempt at a planted tank. Regular gravel was used, and two 10w cfls. I do have a diy co2 system hooked up, no ferts, and I'm just so thrilled at how well it's progressed. I'm not sure ATM the exact names of every plant in there, but I know I bought ones that were fairly easy to keep. A caring hand, with some time and effort, and you should have no problems. Enjoy, planted tanks are neat!



If I recall this worked a little too well and ended up with some stuck fish! :hmm3grin2orange:

[lowlight]

I just have regular gravel and plant plants that don't require much maintenance and lighting. They don't grow very fast but they do grow.

[souly]

Well the tank is a 29g if I were to do planting i'd like to really just replace the flourenst bulb thats in the hood as it is. Anyideas on a good light for that? It has the Regular light that came with the tank right now.

[aspects]

+1 for Lab Rats lighting comment.

I've posted this pic elsewhere, but I'm just so proud of it. This was my first attempt at a planted tank. Regular gravel was used, and two 10w cfls. I do have a diy co2 system hooked up, no ferts, and I'm just so thrilled at how well it's progressed. I'm not sure ATM the exact names of every plant in there, but I know I bought ones that were fairly easy to keep. A caring hand, with some time and effort, and you should have no problems. Enjoy, planted tanks are neat!

http://img.geocaching.com/cache/d4a258fc-e42d-4aea-8f64-20bc3638c1d4.jpg

this was my first planted tank using regular gravel

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b126/bitteraspects/IMG_2426.jpg

[lowlight]

Something in the 6500K range would be best. I only have the 24" hoods that came with the tank and I use Sun-Glo fluorescent bulbs. I have heard any daylight bulb would work. I would have used the Life-Glo bulbs but I will be upgrading my lighting soon and didn't see the sense in spending $20 for one when I can get 2 for $20. I have two 24" hoods on a 55gal with some Crypts. Anubias and Java fern.

[-Lp]

If I recall this worked a little too well and ended up with some stuck fish! :hmm3grin2orange:

Good memory! :) I have done some trimming to hopefully avoid this in the future.




this was my first planted tank using regular gravel

I like it!