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I purchased an Eclispe 12 for my 8 year old son who want to learn about the hobby. I've done many fish-only tanks but have very limited experience with planted tanks. He wants to go with a planted tank so I'm looking for a little guidance. The Eclipse 12 may not be the ideal tank for plants but I wanted something simple for his first tank and it fits his room.
I'm thinking of upgrading the stock light (13W, 5500K) with a Current Model 1611 retro (32W, 6700K/10000K). However, before I do so I wanted to get an understanding of the pros and cons for each lighting system, i.e., what type of maintenance, fertilizing, CO2, etc. would be needed and the type of plants that can be grown. The type of plants is open at this time. I have a list of "low-light" plants to choose from. There are many. I'm not particularly interesting in a "high" tech tank but at the same time I'd like good, healthy plants and fish.
I have Flourite Black Sand on order. Is this sufficient or should I supplement with an plant soil? I've read that natural tanks use a plant soil for the nutrients which reduces/eliminates the need for CO2 and fertilizers. This sounds interesting in that my son (and me) will have to worry less about the biology/chemistry and enjoy the tank more. However, I also understand that as the lighting wattage goes up, the need for CO2 and fertilizers increases. I do not know that crossover point.
I also have the full series of Seachem fertilizers on order but depending on how the tank is set-up, I may not need them. If there is fast growth, I'm guessing there will be need for some supplement.
Again, my main concern is that I have healthy plants and fish and a happy kid while at the same time keeping expense and time reasonable.
Any thoughts?
I'm thinking of upgrading the stock light (13W, 5500K) with a Current Model 1611 retro (32W, 6700K/10000K). However, before I do so I wanted to get an understanding of the pros and cons for each lighting system, i.e., what type of maintenance, fertilizing, CO2, etc. would be needed and the type of plants that can be grown. The type of plants is open at this time. I have a list of "low-light" plants to choose from. There are many. I'm not particularly interesting in a "high" tech tank but at the same time I'd like good, healthy plants and fish.
I have Flourite Black Sand on order. Is this sufficient or should I supplement with an plant soil? I've read that natural tanks use a plant soil for the nutrients which reduces/eliminates the need for CO2 and fertilizers. This sounds interesting in that my son (and me) will have to worry less about the biology/chemistry and enjoy the tank more. However, I also understand that as the lighting wattage goes up, the need for CO2 and fertilizers increases. I do not know that crossover point.
I also have the full series of Seachem fertilizers on order but depending on how the tank is set-up, I may not need them. If there is fast growth, I'm guessing there will be need for some supplement.
Again, my main concern is that I have healthy plants and fish and a happy kid while at the same time keeping expense and time reasonable.
Any thoughts?