How to convert to planted

[Eli_The_Eel]

Hey there!

I have a 55 gallon FW (it is very tall and thin, about 20x18x30 inches in volume). There is roughly 2.5 square feet of floor space. I already have 2 plants (i don't know what they are, here's some pics)





I would like to create a planted tank with a huge variety of plants. First, I was hoping I could get some answers:

1. Is this practical with the size and shape of my tank?
2. What kind of lighting would be recommended (assuming the light would need to penetrate about 2.5 feet.)
3. What kind of substrate should I switch to (do I need to switch?)?
4. Is a CO2 system necessary?
5. What kind of CO2 system should I use?
6. Is there a limit to the amount of plants?

I would like to itemize the costs of these additions so I can figure out where I stand.

If I am going to do this, I want to do it right. I've heard from friends that I need to use R/O water and do very frequent water changes with a lot of plants.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

[coral reefer]

The plants look almost like Amazon Sword plants!
Unfotunately with the small surface area and substantial height, you will not be able to house to many plants! I like longer, and deeper tanks better, but anyway...
The type tank you have would be good for Discus' and Angelfish especially!
I would go with a "Vitalight" or "Growlight" for your plants.
You could try using the gravel you have right now and as for the carbon reactor, I never owned one and have had some success with live plants without the use of a carbon reactor.
Do some research on the types of plants as some are better and hardier than others. Amazon Swords and Banana plants are a couple hardy species of live plant.
Good luck

[Tangster]

You may want to find a smaller size natural gravel ? Like 1 or 2 mm in size and CO's is a must for a really nice planted system.. It cab a simple old Coke bottle with Brewer's yeast as a reaction media to produce the CO'2 or a CO'2 tank and regulator set up .. The smaller natural sand in a must for good root system growth.. To set up a planted system with a good chance to succeeded then you have to do apply certain methods ..
Thats not to say it can't be done as it can just depends on how well you want to get it done .. As I told someone the other day here a planted F/W system is as beautiful as a reef system.. But they both share the fact that certain needs have to be met to enjoy full success .. The tank size is perfect for a starter system for any F/W system. I'd guess there is now Tons of planted tank info all over the net these days .. Its been many yrs since I have had one to deal with and maybe there are better and simpler ways to build and enjoy a planted system other then what I know about them.. (: So don't totally rely on what I say about what to do..

[Eli_The_Eel]

The vitalight is sigificantly cheaper, grow light looks nice though. How exactly would I fashion a CO2 diffuser? Do I just run tubing from the can into the bottom of the tank?

[ReefPlayground]

I live cube systems like that for plant and reef tanks . At 2.5", your first main problems will be lighting (which can be solved by either a MH or PC's). Your second main problem will be heating issues derived from strong lights. Whic can be solved by build i canopy fans / or small chiller unit.

For the CO's questions above. No, do not simply run the tubing into the tank. You want the CO2 to dissolve entirely in the water column, not simply rise to the top. You can have the CO2 run into a small CO2 diffuser you can buy at any lfs, or even build on yourself - very simply and inexpensive. A Rio 600 skimmer powerhead, some silicone, and the extension piece of a siphon hose, and bam, you go yourself a CO2 diffuser.

[ReefPlayground]

I'll try to put up a little sketch of a DIY diffuser.

[painkiller1009]

Here is a link to the DIY reactor.
How To Build A CO2 Reactor | Build a Regulator | Test Kit

Here are sum good links to other good planted tank sites.
The Planted Tank Forum - Powered by vBulletin

Aquatic Plant Central

[Tangster]

Not sure I follow what the guy is trying to do with the regulator ?

[nonamehaveI]

Originally Posted by Eli_The_Eel

Hey there!

I have a 55 gallon FW (it is very tall and thin, about 20x18x30 inches in volume). There is roughly 2.5 square feet of floor space. I already have 2 plants (i don't know what they are, here's some pics)

Attachment 8369

Attachment 8370

I would like to create a planted tank with a huge variety of plants. First, I was hoping I could get some answers:

1. Is this practical with the size and shape of my tank?

I personally have a heavily planted 55 gallon tank i have to trim weekly to keep from growing in to a jungle.

2. What kind of lighting would be recommended (assuming the light would need to penetrate about 2.5 feet.)

Depends on whether you want to go high tech 3WPG or higher, Co2, ferts, or low tech with easy to grow low light plants.

3. What kind of substrate should I switch to (do I need to switch?)?

Switching is not necessary although alot of people will swear by Eco complete or flourite most truly aquatic plants draw nutrients from the water column.

4. Is a CO2 system necessary?

once again depends on high or low tech.

5. What kind of CO2 system should I use?

On a 55 gallon tank DIY Co2 is very impractical a pressurised system as described here Setting Up A CO2 System | Regulator & Cylinder is much more efficient and cost effective in the long run.

6. Is there a limit to the amount of plants?

only when it gets in the way of your fish's free swimming room although the more plants you add the more nutrients (ferts) your plants will consume.

I would like to itemize the costs of these additions so I can figure out where I stand.

If I am going to do this, I want to do it right. I've heard from friends that I need to use R/O water and do very frequent water changes with a lot of plants.

RO water is actually not good at all for a planted tank as RO water removes trace elements that your plants thrive on dechlorinated tap water is ussually your best bet. I personaly do 30% partial water changes weekly. using a modifeid version of BEI fert dosing.

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Have added some input in red, please let me know if I can be of any more help.

[nonamehaveI]

Sorry didn't notice the date on this one. guess you guys don't see alot of freshwater action over here huh?