queenangel

Thanks for the feedback Phoenix44. The lights are a 2 x 24w T5 Fluorescent Light System. The tank is 80cm wide, 55cm high & 45cm deep - so hoping the lights will do a good job & keep both the plants & fish happy. Is it ok to introduce 3 or 4 of the zebra danios when I set up the tank on day one to get the cycle going or should I wait a week or so?? I pick the tank up on Saturday so getting quite excited about spending the weekend setting it up - like a kid with a new toy at xmas :bounce:

Thanks 4 the suggestions and welcomes. Yes you are right (JazzyJeff) the tank does come with AquaOne CF1000 & 200w heater but my partner (the marine expert!!!!) thinks that Eheim are the Mercedes of canister filters & likewise the Jager heaters. Although a little more expensive the may be a little more efficient and last a little longer?? Besides, may as well spend more $$ to help out the economy! Have read that heating cable under the substrate can be beneficial for plant growth along with silver sand- is this something I should go for or just another toy to add to the increasing power bill? Where can I get silver sand in Tauranga?

My partner has a 900l reef tank - I have decided if I can't beat him (he is obssessed with the tank) I'll join him. However, marine reef tanks seem a little time consuming for me so I am about to set up a planted community tropical tank. I'm looking at getting one of the new Aqua One Aquience 175l tanks and using an Eheim 2224 professional canister filter and Jager heater :roll: . What would you suggest in terms of a safe numbers of fish to introduce initially while the tank cycles? Also, thinking of using JBL Aqua Basis Plus as the substrate. Should I mix this with normal gravel for the substrate? Do you have a preference between Seachem Flourish or JBL Ferropol Liquid Fertilizer as a plant supplement? Hoping to set the tank up within the next 2 wks - will post some photos of progress.