Want to make the plunge into planted tanks

[mark d]

I want to take the plunge into Planted aquariums.
The tank is gonna be 100 x 100 x 55 cm ( L X B X H )
Its gonna be run on a sump and a canister.
Lighting is gonna be 1-2 150 Watt MH units,4 T5s and LEDs moonlights.
PFP and supplements for the plants.
Probably gonna be discus tank or a lot of tetras:bigsmile:

Just 1 question what Will I need to make the stand?

[Rudi]

mark d
I would rather like to know what you plan to grow under that mini-sun,bro.With all that light you will HAVE to add Co2 as well.

[Firefly]

Pine or meranti should do if you are looking at a wooden stand. Otherwise you can go square metal tubing.

[shihr]

wo..slow down there dude.. Like rudi said, that is a huge amount of light:p but nice dimentions too.. If u keen on that amount of lights, a taller tank can be allowed;)

[FishRMan]

Not trying to put you off but rather start slow with your lights. You wouldn't try driving a car at full throttle the first time you drove it so why do it with plants. With that amount of light unless everything is perfect you will have non stop algae issues.

[Laure]

Agree with Rudi and others. Learn to drive first before you put the foot down on the pedal. If you are taking the plunge, start with a non-CO2 low-tech tank. Go with T5 lights, but no more than 1.5 watts per gallon. Forget the MH's.

[Zoom]

If you spending that amount of money on the lights, the extra R3k is't too bad for Co2.

[shihr]

If you spending that amount of money on the lights, the extra R3k is't too bad for Co2.

agreed. rather get co2 first than butch lighting.. big lights doesnt mean big growth..

good luck though! show us some pics!! and let us know what u decide! :)

[mark d]

Thanks guys.Will chill on the lighting but before I start what kind of thickens of wood or steel square tubing will I need?

[shihr]

i used supa wood.. needs to be sealed properly though.. but its flippin strong and flippin heavy :P

my build is some where here:
http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?5527-122lx60bx45h

*Edit Rather look here:
http://www.tropicalaquarium.co.za/showthread.php?5527-122lx60bx45h/page3