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New Member
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Last Login: 7/11/2008 10:46:38 AM
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| Hey everyone, So I'm getting more and more into plants, and would like to make a plant, shrimp tank (20G). unfortunately I only have 30 watts for this tank, non-special gravel, no C02. I do have some liquid fert that I will use. Just out of curiosity, how well is my tank set up to create this plant, shrimp tank, and how much do CO2 systems cost? (I know it depends), but on a suitable system. Thanks
20 gallon - melon barb x 3
krib x 2
planted
20 gallon - pending stocking
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New Member
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Last Login: Today @ 3:22:56 PM
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| There are low light plants that will do well with under 2 watts per gallon lighting. I purchased an assortment online and they have done well so far. But for many varieties you will need more like 3 watts per gallon or more. As far as Co2, Red Sea makes a system that they say is adequate for up to 20 gallon tanks. Its called Turbo CO2 Bio System and comes with a diffuser pump and venturi injector. I purchased one for my 29 gallon but it seems not to be enough for my tank and I am adding another yeast reactor to it . They cost around 20 bucks. Also Seachem makes a product called Flourish Excel which is an organic carbon in liquid form which you can add by hand. I recommend using both. Here is a link for a do-it -yourself (DIY) CO2 system http://www.qsl.net/w2wdx/aquaria/diyco2.html As far as your gravel (substrate)goes there is some that is is not well suited for plants. If it is coated gravel (kinda shiny) its not very good for growing plants. There are several different kinds of substrates with varying prices. I use black flourite and it works well for me.
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Fishkeeping GURU
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Unless you increase the light, forget the CO2 and fertilizers. The plants won't be able to grow fast enough with that light level to use up the CO2 the fish create anyway, and regular water changes will replace all the elements they need. Adding fertilizers or CO2 out of balance with the available light just leads to algae problems. You can only keep low light plants in that set up, but there are lots to choose from (most of which will probably need to be special ordered at your lfs or ordered online). Here's a good list. http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide_list.php?category=1&filter_by=2
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New Member
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Last Login: 7/11/2008 10:46:38 AM
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How much light watts/gallon do you think is necessary before starting to add CO2 and fert? Also, are there any 20 gallon tank lids, that are especially good at lighting for plants? thanks
20 gallon - melon barb x 3
krib x 2
planted
20 gallon - pending stocking
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Today @ 3:22:56 PM
Posts: 54,
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| A general rule of thumb for smaller tanks is at least 2 watts per gallon but I believe that 3 to five is better. You can purchase twin tube light fixtures that will do this. Probably the best cover for your tank would be a vers-a-top from all-glass aquarium co. they come in several different sizes. These can be found at your local pet stores usually. I hope this helps!
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Fishkeeping GURU
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You would probably need 2.5-3 watts per gallon before CO2 becomes necessary. For that you'd most likely need power compact or T5 lighting, which you would use something like a versa-top under.
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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/11/2008 10:46:38 AM
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| sorry for this slightly stupid post, but what's the brand of the light, (just to make things easier). Also, I am considering getting aquasoil, as opposed to my current gravel because 1) my current gravel is a little too big IMO 2) aquasoil is just aquasoil hehe. But then I'd have to recycle the tank... What do you guys think. Right now I just have a 20gallon with one broken light so like 15 watts. (I could get it to 30). Some regular old pet store gravel, and 4 platies in the tank. I really want to make it a shrimp plant tank, with driftwood and all that. Is the new lid for the tank really worth it?
20 gallon - melon barb x 3
krib x 2
planted
20 gallon - pending stocking
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Fishkeeping GURU
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: Yesterday @ 4:01:15 PM
Posts: 11,952,
Visits: 5,444
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What we're trying to say is that you don't need to change the light or gravel, or add CO2 or fertilizers, and you can still have a lovely planted tank. Low light plants (of which there are many attractive kinds) will do fine. If you want higher light plants you will need to do a lot more research. It isn't about just adding a particular brand or type of light (there are tons of choices) or some CO2...having a high tech (as opposed to low tech, low light) planted tank is a serious investment of both time and money. If you go that route, expect to spend $10-$20 per gallon beyond what you already have, and start reading up on plants because you're not going to get all the answers from us (there is just too much to cover).
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