nanoguy

Hello everyone, it's been about 7 years since I tried my first planted tank, failed miserably and switched to reef tanks. I've since moved, sold all my tanks and haven't had an aquarium in about 8 months and its getting old. The reason I ditched them was to keep from moving them and because they were taking up too much time. I'd like to try planted again but find a balance in a low light/low tech tank that doesn't require much care.

I'd like to run a setup by you and let you pick it apart or make suggestions. Nothing is set in stone and money isn't really an problem, just time. So here it goes.

I wanted a larger tank but I already have a new empty 40 breeder and am thinking about trying it. I also have an ACJr controller left over from my 90g reef tank so controlling isnt an issue.


40 breeder tank
Aquatic life 78w T5 light (don't have but seems appropriate)
Appropriate sized Fluval canister filter
Jager heater
Pool filter sand or ecocomplete (would a full substrate of ecocomplete be better?)
No CO2
Heavy fish stocking

Plants I am considering:

Cryptocoryne retrospiralis
Cryptocoryne undulatus
Cryptocoryne wendtii
Ceratophyllum demersum
Rotala roundifolia
Sagittaria subulata
Echinorodus bleheri
Lilaeopsis mauritiana
Various anubias sp.

I am not stuck on these or at least all of them, just some plants I have seen work well in a setup like I am describing.

I just noticed that both bulbs are on one cord which kills my idea to run one bulb then both then the other throught the photoperiod, perhaps it isn't a problems or I will look for a fixture that I can do this with.

I realize it is probably more difficult to run a planted tank sans CO2 but I am pretty adamant about not running any. Would starting with a larger tank make any difference? I am eyeballing a standard 90g setup but haven't decided on it yet.

I am more worried about the substrate issue than the rest (except algae). I don't mind dropping the coin on the ecocomplete if that would be best. I am a little worried about trying this dirt under sand/gravel/etc. thing I keep hearing about.

So sorry for the long post, I am just ready to get the ball rolling.

AaronT

Check out my article on mineralized topsoil for a great low-tech substrate solution.
http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/f...on-talbot.html

Your 40b setup sounds just right for keeping things low-tech. Just make sure to hang the light high as even 78 watts of well reflected T5s can be quite bright in a tank that size.

Michael

+1 on Aaron's suggestions. Also, browse the "El Natural" forum for lots more on low-tech tanks. All of my tanks are set up using the Walstad method and mineralized topsoil, and they are very easy to take care of. All of the plants your list should do well in a Walstad tank.