Low tech planted sump experiment

This is my cichlid tanks sump and I've always planted it with vallis. it grow very well and overtook the whole refugium. So decided to "scape" it with the trimmings from my 2ft tank.

The only ferts that I added is the osmocote. And the lights are just two energy saving bulbs.

this is more of an experiment, to see if the plants will grow.

Water is a bit hard and ph is high, so I'm guessing they will struggle to thrive.





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Very nice. You will find that the plants will improve the water quality and improve biological filtration.

 

I would like to do this as well with the sumps pf my cichlid tanks. Been growing house plants in with the roots supposedly removing nitrates and have seen these plants thrive over the past few weeks.

 

Quick update.

 

Who said you can't have plants in a Malawi tank. Stunning idee dude and it seems to work wonders. Seems like you showed me a new place to plant my cuttings

 

Thinking outside the box always delivers.

 

Could you please tell me more about substrate and stuff as I have been planing on doing this for quite awhile. And you have a good looking sump, any chance of a full sump pic ?

 

The substrate is just PFS (pool filter sand) and osmocote slow release fertiliser in the substrate.

First compartment is Japanese filter mat and crushed oyster shells. Second, finer grade filter mat with whole oyster shells. Third is the refugium. Fourth, fine filter mat with bio balls. Last is the return pumps.

Here's some full sump pics.






I do however notice that there are deficiencies, and stunted growth, but all the plants are growing.

Plant list.
Vallis, hygro, difformis, various rotalas, java fern, Ludwigia repens, small sword and a few more which I can't remember their names.

 

Nice to see you growing some snacks for them ...

That is one complicated sump.

 

Thanks for the feedback . Looks great

 

Looks really great and I like the idea for the external filter and plant growing setup in one. :top:

 

also impressed
keep toying with idea as well or a hydro kit feeding of the tank

 

Did some trimming and replanting today and the plants are looking healthy. Quite impressive growth.

 

They look really healthy!

 

Ive recently added star grass in the sump, and again it is growing.

So, I would like to know, what or how do we classify if the plants are "low tech" or "high tech" plants?

Because most people say that Vallis is low tech and rotalas are high tech? or high light plants. But all the plants I have in the sump are thriving, no matter what tech or light..

Will upload some pics later tonight.

 

@Chongkie: As I understand it high tech plants are those that require a high amount of light and ferts.

 

Yeah that is how I understand it. But the plants that are in my sump does not get ferts or CO2 or a very high light, and all the plants thrive.

 

@Chongkie: I am guessing it is because they are in an area with high amounts of nutrients and flow.

 

@ Chongkie how you doing bud? Would it be possible to take a clear fts of the sump? I think its a very similar design to one I just got, need some advice on how to set it up.

 

@Chongkie well done and smart thinking! Seems you can open a nursery for the plants someday!