I have done some research so as not to waste your valuable time with the usual questions. I have not yet gotten wet with plants yet, but I have a plan (sort of) and was hoping for some input from those who are experienced - feel free to set me straight. I'm hoping this will save me some time and frustration over time. Here goes . . .
MY PLAN: small tank, no CO2, minimal water changes, hardy plants that require low to medium intensity light, substrate: 1.5" of soil/peat and 1" of 3-5 mm gravel, little or no fetilization, a few small fish (species unsure).
MY PROPOSED SETUP: 20 gal long aquarium, 36-45 watts (not exactly sure yet) light (6700 k) - mix of fluorescent and PC, water overflows to sump under stand with a simple DIY gravel filter and pump returns water to tank. I have chosen to go with a sump in case I want to change plans in the future - I will have a place to dose fert./add CO2 and mix.
MY QUESTIONS:
1) Does this plan and setup make sense? Any suggestions to improve?
2) Do I need to add fertilizer, or will fish food/waste do the job in this setup? what about trace elements/iron/etc.?
3) When I add water, should I plant right away, or wait for tank to cycle?
4) What are your TOP 5 plant suggestions for this setup?
5) What are your TOP 5 fish suggestions for this setup? what plant-friendly fish eat snails?
6) Should I put fertilizer sticks/tabs in substrate?
7) How do I avoid algal overgrowth in this type of system?
Any comments on these questions or anything that I have not thought of are welcome.
Thanks
MY PLAN: small tank, no CO2, minimal water changes, hardy plants that require low to medium intensity light, substrate: 1.5" of soil/peat and 1" of 3-5 mm gravel, little or no fetilization, a few small fish (species unsure).
MY PROPOSED SETUP: 20 gal long aquarium, 36-45 watts (not exactly sure yet) light (6700 k) - mix of fluorescent and PC, water overflows to sump under stand with a simple DIY gravel filter and pump returns water to tank. I have chosen to go with a sump in case I want to change plans in the future - I will have a place to dose fert./add CO2 and mix.
MY QUESTIONS:
1) Does this plan and setup make sense? Any suggestions to improve?
2) Do I need to add fertilizer, or will fish food/waste do the job in this setup? what about trace elements/iron/etc.?
3) When I add water, should I plant right away, or wait for tank to cycle?
4) What are your TOP 5 plant suggestions for this setup?
5) What are your TOP 5 fish suggestions for this setup? what plant-friendly fish eat snails?
6) Should I put fertilizer sticks/tabs in substrate?
7) How do I avoid algal overgrowth in this type of system?
Any comments on these questions or anything that I have not thought of are welcome.
Thanks