How do I start a successful planted tank?

Question

Ok, so I want to start a 100% live planted tank, but I am a little confused as to where to start. Here is my plan and let me know what you think (those of you that have planted aquariums). I also have a few questions.

Ok, I am setting up my 30 gallon aquarium. I have a powerfilter, an undergravel filter with a power head that will run on one side only, Two 15W flourescent bulbs, small-pebbled sized gravel, some driftwood, and the other usual items. I want to possibly buy some Laterite to put below my gravel. I want to make a homemade CO2 injector with a 2 liter pop bottle, connected to an airstone that goes directly into my power filter intake. And that is that... Let me know what will work, what won't and what suggestions you have or any personal experiences you have.

I would also like to know:

1) Does Laterite need to be replaced periodically?

2) How essential are trace nutrients for plants? If so, what nutrients do I need? (the amount available is staggering)

3) How essential is a method of measuring my CO2? Can I just sort of wing it with my home made system without worrying about having too much CO2?

4) I have heard that the undergravel is not the greatest choice for plants... should I just remove the power head and keep the grates, remove the whole undergravel system, or does it even matter?

Thanks so much in advance, I look forward to hearing some great info!!

Answer 1

First, I'd like to point out that homemade CO2 is very ineffective. You would almost be better off not using it at all. There is no way of measuring how much is injected, and it doesn't turn off at night, so you can easily poison your fish with CO2. Second, putting the CO2 into a power filter will immediately disperse all the injected CO2 straight into the air (the only filter this method works with is a canister).

The best way to set up your first heavily planted tank is with simple plants that don't require much. Plants like Java Fern, Java Moss, Cryptocorynes, Anubias, Amazon Sword, and Banana Plant can all be grown in very low-tech tanks (though not as low-tech as the tanks another user suggested). Ammania gracilis, Madagascar Lace, Microsword, and Hemmianthus callitrichoides, on the other hand, would require lighting and CO2 systems that could break many a bank. It is essential to have a filter in planted tanks. Without one, there will not be enough bacteria to break down all the waste fish (and even the plants) produce, which starves your plants of ammonia and nitrate. To keep as much CO2 in the water as possible, you should have little water disturbance (no airstones, and prefferably NO waterfall from the filter).


1. Laterite does need to be replaced as the plants use its nutrients. Once every few years is an adequate replacement period.
2. Without trace elements, plants simply don't grow. There are innumerable elements (iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, carbon, copper, manganese, and molybdenum) which are all essential to plant growth. Without them, the plant will respond varryingly. Without copper, leaves wilt. Without potassium and magnesium, holes form in the leaves. Without iron, stems are weak. Without nitrogen, the plant won't grow: period. Too little nitrogen will stunt root growth. Carbon allows for photosynthesis (in the form of CO2). Each element must be added in the correct ratio or you will see even more problems. Until you are making your own fertilizers, you really don't need to worry about this.
3. A DIY CO2 system like this is pretty much useless. I would suggest that you either go without CO2 at all or pay about $40-50 for a "carbon block" that gets oxidized by an electrical current. It is much easier to control the CO2 going into the tank, and can be turned off at night (when plants aren't using CO2).
4. The problem with undergravel filters is that it interfers with root growth. It would be best to just scrap the idea of using a UG filter completely. Also, the airstone that powers it would release much of the water's CO2.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Soop Nazi

Answer 2

Before I answer all your questions, I'd like to give you a few options first about planted tanks.

It would be easier and cost wayyyyy less if you go the low tech method. Basically, with this method, you plant at the start, and don't have to add co2, fertilization, or anything. The tank takes care of itself. Go here for more info http://thegab.org/Articles/WalstadTank.html

If you want high tech, I'll let you know.

Answer 3

calm down.....if you live in a 30 million dollar house and own a Ferrari go ahead.

listen buddy....don't go spending that much...as some person at a good petstore and they will show you a cheap and easy way....
its simple as that.....