Mattias' 29 planted build journal

First of all I'm going to go ahead and say this, this tank won't even start to get going until around march after my reef is set up. For now I just want to get an idea of how to run a planted tank. I've had a plethora of fresh tanks but this will be by first planted. It will be low tech with this light:http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002DIRBY/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Just basic plants, swords, ferns stuff like that. No co2. I'll be doing black flourite sand. Here's what I plan for stocking...

7 bloodfin tetras
15 neon tetras
4 yo yo loaches
2 German blue rams

For filtration I'll have an aquaclear 50 with chemi pure instead of carbon.
I also plan on a huge price of driftwood for the center piece. Do you guys think I could have a carpeting plant with that light?

Thanks

 

There is a section designated for freshwater tanks.. You might get more activities there. Im just sayin'

 

Scratch that- new stock...

5 Khuli loaches
10 neon tetras
7 bloodfin tetras
2 german blue rams

 

I just assumed since this is we're you put build threads.

 

You are fine I think since this a build thread spot.

You will need pressurized CO2 and a strong fertilization routine with that light fixture unless you want to have an algae farm. I would suggest a single bulb T5HO fixture, a 2 bulb T5NO fixture with a white reflector or a standard T8 fixture with 2 or 3 bulbs for a low tech setup. You can grow carpetting plants with the T5HO fixture. You may need CO2 to grow carpetting plants with the other light fixtures. You will definitely want to use Seachems Excel or Metricide as a carbon supplement for the plants. Filter carbon does not work as a carbon supplement.

 

Alright I guess I'll do co2 and keep te fixture. Should I do liquid form?

 

If you don't use T5HO yes. You will need pressurized CO2 with T5HO. You might be able to use liquid CO2 if you get a single bulb Hagen GLO fixture.