[Wet Thumb Forum]-starting new planted tank

[KrisL.]

ok, Hey all, I want to start a heavily planted tank, I have a 77 gal. do I need potting soil under the gravel? if so how much? also how many lights do i need? i have a 40 w flour. do i need more? what about co2? i made a 2ltr pop bottle co2 thing, but its just an axperiment, its not in anytanks . any thoughts on that would be greatly appreciated. and also some ferlalizer infor etc, and anything i have misse dout would be great, lol sorry for all the questions, but want to do this the right way, i guess if there is one! thanks alot. Kris.

[KrisL.]

ok, Hey all, I want to start a heavily planted tank, I have a 77 gal. do I need potting soil under the gravel? if so how much? also how many lights do i need? i have a 40 w flour. do i need more? what about co2? i made a 2ltr pop bottle co2 thing, but its just an axperiment, its not in anytanks . any thoughts on that would be greatly appreciated. and also some ferlalizer infor etc, and anything i have misse dout would be great, lol sorry for all the questions, but want to do this the right way, i guess if there is one! thanks alot. Kris.

[trenac]

1)No, you don't need potting soil under the gravel. If you are using regular gravel make sure it is a small natural gravel & use root tabs for the roots. Or you can use a gravel like Eco-complete or Florite that as a lot of nutrients already in it for the plants. Which ever one you choose make sure the depth is between 2-3".

2)Yes, you need more light. You need a least 2WPG to grow low light plants. So for 77G tank you will need 154 watts to get 2WPG. Also you will need to use plants bulbs(5500k-10000k).

3)A 2 liter DIY will not be enough for your size tank; plus it would cost to much in the long run. If you can, go for a pressurized C02 unit.

4) Try this link for fert info:
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_p...izer_intro.htm

[KrisL.]

alright thanks for the info. uh, i have a 10 gallon with plants in it, it has the irridecent bulbs, of 25w is that enough? but anyway what about putting those energy saver compact flourecent spiraly bulbs in there? there like 23 w, but give the eqivelent to 100 w each. would that be good? i changed my mind, im gonna do the small tank first and see how that comes out then consider doing the big one.

[bharada]

The screw in sprial CF bulbs are fine if you can find them in a good daylight color (5000-6700K). The normal household CF bulbs are usually soft/warm white (~3200K) and would be too orange, IMO. They might grow plants but it won't be pleasing to look at. The cool white bulbs are better (~4100K) but those still cast a slight yellowish tint.

[KrisL.]

actually they are a bright white, no yellow or orange tint to them, give em a try for a while anyway,