setting up a planted tank

[SNAKEMANVET]

I decided to setup my 120 into a planted tank,I will be running t5s over it.I have 2 large pieces of driftwood and some large rocks along with a 3'' sand bed that is cycling now.Still deciding on what fish I want to put in it.I will have some snail and shrimp for sure.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Well the sand is going to go,it is keeping my ph up around 7.4 to 7.8.I will be ordering flourite for substrate have read alot of people have good success with it.

 

[techdiver]

Well the sand is going to go,it is keeping my ph up around 7.4 to 7.8.I will be ordering flourite for substrate have read alot of people have good success with it.

Flourite and Ecocomplete are pretty good. I have the black Ecocomplete in my planted setup.

 

[lorawalters13]

I have read that flourite turns muddyafter about a year. You might want to look into Turface MVP. It lasts forever from what I've heard and holds a lower pH. It costs about $20 per 50lbs and comes in a variety of colors. It looks very nice in my opinion. The John Deere store in Memphis carries it.

I'm a newbie with planted tanks but I'm really enjoying mine. I want to set up a 75 or 90. I acquired everything but the tank, the substrate and the heaters before I was sidetracked by vet bills for my dog. Anyways, I still have red root floaters and/or malaysian trumpet snails if you want some.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Did you mix yours with gravel,or just eco-complete.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I need to check on turface mvp.I may take some snails after it has cycled. Thanks

 

[techdiver]

Did you mix yours with gravel,or just eco-complete.

Just eco-complete.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

Thanks Marcus,have you ever seen any pics of Mr Amanos tanks.

 

[techdiver]

Thanks Marcus,have you ever seen any pics of Mr Amanos tanks.

No I haven't. Do you have a link to them?

 

[techdiver]

You might want to look into Turface MVP. It lasts forever from what I've heard and holds a lower pH. It costs about $20 per 50lbs and comes in a variety of colors. It looks very nice in my opinion. The John Deere store in Memphis carries it.

Did you purchase some of that, Lora? Interesting bit of info. Mine is already setup, but I'd still like to hear how it works out for you.

 

[lorawalters13]

No I haven't. I'm torn between turface and aquariumplants black diamond substrate. I am leaning towards the turface because it looks better IMO and costs quite a bit less. I'll let you know how it works out if I go that route.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I went to aquarium advice.com and asked about turface mvp,several have had good success with it.I will go to tractor supply and pick up some.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

After alot of searching I found some at lesco in Memphis,it is turface all-sport which is the same thing as turface mvp.It cost around $14.00 a bag.I will be picking up 2 bags on the 10th.

 

[lorawalters13]

Hey, would you mind bringing me back a few bags? I'll pay for your gas or give ya a couple frags...

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I will check to see if he can order a couple more bags,these are 50 lb bags.He normally sells these by the pallet,I had to talk him into ordering just 2 bags.

 

[lorawalters13]

Never mind then, I don't want to cause you a bunch of trouble. I just thought it might save me a trip to Memphis...I don't get that way very often.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I don't mind getting it,he hasn't got back with me yet.