nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 i am wanting to start a planted tank what substrate should i use or doesnt it matter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 how big is the tank? Daltons prop. sand is good for larger tanks. Flourite good for smaller tanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 the tank is 60x30x40 so sand ? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bilbo Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 I have started a small 600 x 300 x 300mm using mineralized soil mixed with vermiculite to about 20mm and 40mm of Dalton's propagating sand on top. Substrate does matter and can be the make or break of a good planted tank. Dalton's propagating sand or some other coarse sand works well. P44's suggestion of Flourite is also good but it can be expensive. Loads of info is available about the pros and cons of different substrate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 In a small tank like that you can use flourite ($80 or so) or daltons prop sand ($12 for 25kg) - you'll need half that. JBL Balls for the more heavy root feeders. Lighting is key though. What are you planning on using? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 not sure i dont have much to spend so whats the cheapest lighting and how much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 I use regular play sand with DIY clay balls and 2x 6500k CFL's on my 60x30x30. I can post pics of it right now if you want, it's not looking its best admittedly :oops: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 not sure i dont have much to spend so whats the cheapest lighting and how much? also note the difference between a planted tank and a tank with plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 true whats the cheapest out their for a planted tank thanks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 true whats the cheapest out their for a planted tank thanks? I can help you with that one. I'm on one of the tightest budgets around, my planted tanks have got to be the cheapest :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 haha okay cool would they be around 80? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 haha okay cool would they be around 80? Will price mine up tonight. $80 excluding the tank yes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 yeah $80 dollars for just the light.? thanks heaps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshlikesfish Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 Do you want to DIY the cheapest way? Or get proper aquarium gear? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 $10 for the lamp plus $7 for the bulb. Two of these so $34 on lighting. Filter I grabbed from an old tank, cost me $70 new. Heater was around $25 and sand was $6 for 25L, did not need all of it. Of course you can get cheaper new or second hand filters of TradeMe but this adds up to $134.00. Plus plants and fish too. I'd recommend getting a cheaper filter off TradeMe. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 and I'd recommend getting some real lights unless you want to grow only green plants moderately well. :-? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 and I'd recommend getting some real lights unless you want to grow only green plants moderately well. :-? Oh please. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 cool i have a filter but am unsure if it would be good its an elite stingray 15 ? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 Oh please. yourself :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joshlikesfish Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 You can buy a 2ft double bulb light from mitre ten for $35. You'll have to get it wired though. With the bulbs from the petstore, it'll work like the other store bought lights Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 cool i have a filter but am unsure if it would be good its an elite stingray 15 ? I'd use that for extra circulation to keep algae at bay and avoid dead spots. You'll need something in the 500l/h zone really, take into account fancy fish (fighters for example) when buying a filter. The flow can mess with their long fins and such. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 ok thanks for the help i will probaly get a proper light as it should be better in the long run :-? so for my size tank what would be a good filter? thank you soooooooooo much guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 5, 2010 Report Share Posted September 5, 2010 I am running the Aquaclear 50 on my 60x30 but an Eheim 2213 or similar canister filter would be good too. If you don't want to spend that sort of money though then a 500lph internal filter would be fine too. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nativelover Posted September 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 6, 2010 how much is the aquaclear and the etheim ? i am wanting a good filter ? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 6, 2010 Report Share Posted September 6, 2010 you might have to make a trip down to the LFS or browse trademe :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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