Starting a Planted Tank: CO2 Injection

Discussion in 'The Planted Tank' started by Seano Hermano, Feb 26, 2011.

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  1. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Hello everyone. I am working on my 75g reef and Dad wants to start a planted tank(will be mainly his tank). We were looking at different tanks to decide what we liked best and I think were are going to go for sort of a minimalist look. But when I was talking to my sister(she knows quite a but about FW, I know more about SW)she said many of the plants I want will require injection of CO2.

    So, how difficult would it be to set this up and how much would it cost for a 20g L?

    Anything special I would need?

    -test kits
    -RODI water
    -Hagen HOB filter
    -Seachem Flourite substrate

    Boy, this brings me back to the early days of saltwater...:confused:::) So many cool things, which I know nothing about. haha

    Can someone recommend a good freshwater forum too?
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2011
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  3. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Some of the plants I like are....

    -Blyxa Japonica
    -Hemianthus Callitrichoides
    -Rotala Macrandra

    What would be the best lights to get? I assume T5 would be good? Do I need T5HO?
     
  4. seabass1

    seabass1 Montipora Digitata

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    Get ahold of irr, he has an awesome planted tank!
     
  5. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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  6. Clonefarmer

    Clonefarmer Millepora

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    Planted tanks can be very simple. All you really need is a filter, a heater and light. Check out this ten gallon. It was kept under PC with no CO2 and no additives.


    I used PC when I kept planted tanks and they worked well enough. Now that T5 is available I would go with that. Check out 2in10's Planted Tank. It's lit with T5.


    RO/DI isn't needed. Most tap water will work well in a planted tank.


    CO2 injection isn't absolutely necessary. You can have a lush green tank with no CO2.


    IIRC the only test used for planted tanks that was different from the usual FW tests was Iron.


    To see some truly amazing planted tanks check out Takashi Amano.
     
  7. fish-aholic 94

    fish-aholic 94 Gigas Clam

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    I have a 10 gal planted. I’ll see if I can find pics.

    i'm using this filter Walmart.com: AquaTech Filter 20-40: Fish, and soon to be replaced with this one Walmart.com: AquaTech Power Filter 5-15: Fish.
    It has pea gravel, no ferts, no co2, and t5ho for the light. 1 10k bulb, and 1 12k bulb. 48 watts total. And I hade the heater set to about 78F. But I just turned off the heater.
    Once planted tanks are set up, I feel they are pretty self-sustaining, except for water changes, and feeding the fish.
    in freshwater, there’s not a big gap between a 10gal, and 20 gal (as far as care). I can post the plants and fish I have if you would like :) hope it helps
     
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  9. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Last edited: Feb 27, 2011
  10. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    I know Hagen makes good HOB filters. I also like that they allow for different media to be stacked in the compartment. I can switch them out(one at a time) while not ridding of all the good bacteria completely.

    Aquarium Filters: Hagen AquaClear Power Filters
     
  11. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    What do people think about lighting a planted tank with LEDs?
     
  12. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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