Glad I found the forum!!!
I'm new to the planted tank scene. I am converting a 180 gallon from a reef to planted and am excited. The reef scene got to be a little too much baby sitting. I'm planning on a self sustaining system. Except for a few water changes. I've orderd substrate from www.aquariumplants.com And I am waiting to get started.
My tank is 180 gallons with a 55 gallon sump. Built in the wall and viewable from 2 sides. I've ordered an automated Co2 system with a ph controller. Lighting will be 750w 10k halides to start with 400w PC actinics. a deep violet type actinic. The actinics have a very similar wave length to "grow" bulbs so we'll see what shakes out. I also have an auto top off system that holds 20 gallons in reserve. I'm hoping to uitlize that for dosing if necessary. Would love some input there.
I've got a couple of nice pieces of driftwood coming and as soon as I'm done buffing the acrylic to remove a couple scratches, I can get it filled up.
As for plants I have no idea, my wife has picked out a few that look good but I ordered a design from Aquarium plants. We'll see how it looks and go from there.
As for fish. I've seen a few really interesting things. It's been about 10 years since I've had freshwater and I really didn't know what I was doing back then. Also with the internet I've seen a lot more really cool fish. bumble bee gobies look neat, dragon gobys, rope fish. And I'm sure we'll have to have some tiger barbs and such. Inverts are fun, always love the fiddler crabs, newts and such.
I'm not very good at journaling, but I will try as I'd like everyone's critique as we go.
I look forward to chatting with you!!!!
Before.....
I'm new to the planted tank scene. I am converting a 180 gallon from a reef to planted and am excited. The reef scene got to be a little too much baby sitting. I'm planning on a self sustaining system. Except for a few water changes. I've orderd substrate from www.aquariumplants.com And I am waiting to get started.
My tank is 180 gallons with a 55 gallon sump. Built in the wall and viewable from 2 sides. I've ordered an automated Co2 system with a ph controller. Lighting will be 750w 10k halides to start with 400w PC actinics. a deep violet type actinic. The actinics have a very similar wave length to "grow" bulbs so we'll see what shakes out. I also have an auto top off system that holds 20 gallons in reserve. I'm hoping to uitlize that for dosing if necessary. Would love some input there.
I've got a couple of nice pieces of driftwood coming and as soon as I'm done buffing the acrylic to remove a couple scratches, I can get it filled up.
As for plants I have no idea, my wife has picked out a few that look good but I ordered a design from Aquarium plants. We'll see how it looks and go from there.
As for fish. I've seen a few really interesting things. It's been about 10 years since I've had freshwater and I really didn't know what I was doing back then. Also with the internet I've seen a lot more really cool fish. bumble bee gobies look neat, dragon gobys, rope fish. And I'm sure we'll have to have some tiger barbs and such. Inverts are fun, always love the fiddler crabs, newts and such.
I'm not very good at journaling, but I will try as I'd like everyone's critique as we go.
I look forward to chatting with you!!!!
Before.....
