70L planted tank

Hi need a bit of advice, going to start my first planted tank this week, picking up the tank in a hour or 2, sooo i need help with the substrate, went to pet stop and they have the proper sub for R400, is their any other type i can use, what should i be looking for, any and all basic advice is needed, i'm a NOOB when it comes to plants.

 

First question, are you planning a low tech palnted tank? If so then normal silica as substrate will do or go the pfp route capped with pfs (pool filter sand). You can opt for the more expensive Flourite or ADA substrate route if you have a budget that can afford it but the othet two optiosn will be good enough. High tech setups require the special substrates.

 

im thinking of going the low tech route as i don't want to jump to deep into it, as i would rather learn bit by bit as i go along, any filtration idea's ? i'm adding a sump filter to the system as im well trusted with them and i prefer it. Aswell thinking of getting a T5 10k light full spectrum, dont know if that will be a bit of a overkill??

 

Well my advice wouls be to get seachem flourite substrate. The pfp method is a bit messy. 10 000k lights isnt a full spectrum its more blue spectrum. If you want a more full spectrum you can use 6500k light and 8000k lights. 2xt5 lights would be alot of light but you can run both on for 3 hours and 1 on for 3 hours. It will help to control the algae. Seachem excel daily will also help to keep the algae at bay. Hth a bit. Ask away if you have more questions

 

Most people use a 6500k bulb +10000K bulb.

 

How big will your sump be on a 70 liter tank? What fish are you planning as inhabitants? T5 10k will be an overkill as it falls out of the light spectrum required by plants, need to go between 6500k and 8500k (red spectrum) and you will not be able to find a T5 small enough for a 70 liter tank. Can go for the Phillips tornado cfl bulb x 2 on a 70 liter tank and filtration I'll recommend a HOB

 

Saw @Ryno have beaten me on the lights. Will need to brush up on the typing skills, lol.

 

You do get 60cm bulbs

 

Haha. Well its a 2ft tank? 10w and 24w t5 will work. Also agree on the HOB

 

Apology for me not knowing - haven't seen such short T5's around here. Thanks for the correction @DewaldC

 

The sump will be a 50liter tank but with running water level it woun't go above 35 liters, still need to confirm that, i havent bought anything yet, busy working on a shopping list, i want to buy once. not going to be running back and forth from the shop. kwl then will put 6500k - 8500k lights on the list. Every thing helps @Ryno. Will be taking photos today of the tank and filter. Just need to get the Stand made this week. but will look for a timer aswell.

 

Sump will increase the water volume though making things a little bit easier on water parameters.

 

No problem,it does take same searching to find the right ones.

 

Hi @JRH

Pop over to the articles subforum and read through some of my beginner articles there. There's some answers to most of your questions.

Regards