First Planted Tank

Hi all.

Awesome planted tanks were what first attracted me to this hobby (lifestyle :bigsmile, but I've never really tried one properly, and now I've decided I'm going to do it. I'm going to try my 60l first (be a bit cheaper than the 200l) and see how it turns out, and I'd like some advice. It's currently got quite a few plants, anubis and I'm not sure what else, but a crappy pea gravel that doesn't hold well and has little nutrients (if anything) What kind of substrate should i use? Hopefully not too expensive... Is straight sand mixed with the pea gravel good? I've seen talk of clay? What are some good plants to use? And most importantly, where can I get this stuff in CT for a good price? Any ideas on aquascaping? Will post pics once it gets underway :blink1:

Also, on how to plant them, how to separate clumps etc..

Oh yes, and apparently you can grow anubias on bogwood etc? Mine are flourishing in the substrate.

 

Silica sand and Mulch

Hi Gawie...

I am about to attempt a planted tank with my 60 litre too, and have decided to follow the step by step formula created by Professor Ronald Newcomb... he has developed using scientific principles a low budget, low maintenance planted tank..

His suggestion is that you cover the bottom of your tank with mulch then with silica sand as the sand remains anearobic, keeping the nutrients in and the oxygen out. The oxygen in the tank is provided by the plants above the substrate (not separate bubbles). your filter is a cannister that does not disturb the top of the water too much, filled with 3m scratch pads and pillow fill as a substrate.

There is a very easy and cheap do it yourself co2 dispenser made from a coke bottle sugar and yeast that continues to help the plants grow.

the tank itself was created to be as low maintenance, cheap and productive as possible.. even the algea problem seems to have been conquered.

 

Looking forward to seeing your progress Gawie. I also like planted tanks but haven't tried one either.

Will tag along to learn a bit more about this myself.

Keep us in the loop with everything.

 

Yes I also want to see how your tank does as I'm starting one myself-trying the potting soil and clay method

 

I tried the 60l, but just used sand, it didn't really work (Duh), But onw I'm going to go potting soil and clay capped with sand on my 200l, a much bigger job, but more fun I think. Will post pics, you guys must too

 

what kind of sand are u using?

 

I haven't bought the "potting soil" yet, but I've got the sand, it's river sand from my local nursery. I will probably also put a layer of fairly fine gravel below the sand, as I have lots of the stuff already.

 

Awsome I have two bags of river sand in th garage I started rinsing out my potting soil already- the article I read said you must leave it to soak for a day then pour the water off and then repeat this process about four times..drying inbetween. Apparently it rinses out any toxins and the drying helps to reduce algae bloom wen it is in the tank...

 

http://www.apsa.co.za/board/index.php?topic=3346.0

Is what I'm using, the mineralized soil

 

Hey,

I'm just tagging along to learn from your success/mistakes, so no photo's from me.

I was just going to ask if potting soil doesn't have to much toxins, but then i saw you said if you rinse enough it is ok.

So, you put rinsed potting soil in the bottom, clay above that, and then the sand?

Would it work if you just mix the potting soil with the sand?

 

Unless you want mud in your tank. The idea is to cap the potting soil and clay with the sand which will create the anaerobic bacteria due to the lack of oxygen that will in return feed your plants.

@Golden Rose - Prof Ronals is a expert in his field and I have used his methods before with excellent results, but dont do the mulch thing though as water clarity becomes a issue

 

Ok, so today I got some pottingsoil, riversand, peat and dolomite. I'm washing the pottingsoil of excess mulch and allowing it to "mineralize" a bit, then I'll mix it in with the clay. I'll place a bit of dolomite and peat over a 2cm layer of that, add another 2cms or so, then cap it with a mix of pea gravel and sand, and then just sand. What do you guys think?

 

Do I want the potting soil to go anaerobic?

 

Hi, I am also restarting a tank and need some advice. Got the top soil, added same peat into the water. Next step is to folow the wet and dry run. Questions:

1. Clay: what clay should be used? Where can I get hold of it?
2. The dolomite, where can I get that? The pharmacy is selling a small contianer 100 - 200g ?) for R100,00????
3. Also I notcied that a pinch of "Muriates Pot ash" should be added with the dolomite... Where can one get these? (I am in Roodepoort (Jhb))

Thanks

 

Where did u get all this stuff Gaawie?

 

Hi

I think your local nursery should hold most of the stuff def pot ash.
Tried the same method and waiting for the plants to fill in but looks promising.

 

Just planted today, will post pics