Freshwater Planted Tank

[Long Island Andy]

Hi
I have not lost my love of reefkeeping but changed my tank over in August to FW planted tank. It is my first shot with FW plants in over 40 years of keeping aquariums. I think I have found a new passion

If you have a minute take a look at: http://community.webshots.com/user/stuart1949?vhost=community

Thanks

 

[Monkeyfish]

Nice set-up vega-scaping! What lighting are you using and do you add Flourish, etc. to the tank? Watch out for those platies. Mine breed like crazy.

 

[cb747]

Andy that looks really nice! Give us all the specs on what you do and on the setup

 

[gusto1]

That looks great, I had one before I went into Saltwater, I do miss it. If I had my choice I'd have 1 saltwater,1 planted freshwater and 1 African Cichlid tank, but I don't have my choice anymore my wife does.

 

[Long Island Andy]

Thanks Guys

It is my old reef 120g.

Lighting: 4x96 PC (2x6500k,1x5000k and1x10000k) 11 hrs a day Substrate: Lot's of gravel with 60lbs Flourite mixed in
Filter: Mag 9.5 return, 30gal sump
Fertilizer: Estimative Indexing, CO2 injection

When I first set up the tank I built a wet dry filter in the sump using cut glass,eggcrate and bio balls. I soon found out that the wet dry concept was defeating the purpose of injecting CO2 by degassing the water and adding oxygen. I took the WD apart and ran the overflows into large sponge filters. I am still fighting a constant battle keeping the CO2 high because any splashing lets the CO2 escape and have even extended the dual overflow standpipes to cut down on water movement. If I were to do it over I would not use anything but a cannister filter.
The Estimative Index fertilizing is wild. You add phosphate, nitrate, potasium and trace elements 3x a week and on the 7 day you do a 50% water change!!!!. It sounded crazy to me but it eliminates the need for test kits and man it is amazing the growth you get. I have to trim plants at least once a week and sometimes twice.
Sorry for the long post. I am enjoying the tank and it is a lot of work but for me the work is my enjoyment

Andy

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Lookin Good Andy!!!