Please Critique My Idea

[Munkii]

Background:

I have had a bunch of different fish tanks over the years, but while I have always had happy/healthy fish, none of them have every lived up to the aquascaping hopes I had before I started making them.

Here's a shot of my current tank (18 months old). Click for stocking info:

I've always loved tanks which have lush looking ground cover because I think they look natural, but the stock lighting in my tank just isn't up to the task (because it's so deep). Last week I saw the video of Sam's tank and I have been reading about the Walsted Method. This got all inspired to try something new.

My Idea:

Inspiration:

• Get a small tank (30-40L)
  
• Put a layer of potting mix under a layer of fine gravel
  
• Plant a bunch of dwarf baby tears and hair grass (going for a grassy hill look)
  
• Chuck in a bunch of duck weed to help soak up the initial excess nutrients
  
• Build a stone henge like structure in the middle to look interesting
  
• Keep the tank lightly stocked. Just a few guppies or corydoras

The way I figure it, the short, rooted plants will benefit most from the substrate nutrients and having a small tank will allow the short plants to still get plenty of light.

Questions:

So, do you guys think this would work or would I be better off just using normal CO2 injection with liquid ferts?

[SamH]

A common misconception is that high light makes plants grow well. A balance of lights, CO2 and nutrients is what's needed to create a successful planted aquarium. The key to a great planted aquarium is making light the limiting factor. Many aquariums have plenty of light yet neglect CO2 and nutrients, leading to algae issues. Ideally, the CO2 would be able to easily keep up with light over the aquarium and nutrients would be sufficient to allow plants to grow healthily.

You can create an excellent natural looking aquarium with little light, you just need to select appropriate plants, mosses, java fern, etc. But you mention you want a carpet, in which case you may need to upgrade your lighting. Just keep in mind that balance is key.

[Dachende]

For potting mix try this:

http://www.daltons.co.nz/home-gardening ... quatic-mix

[SamH]

I would be cautious with nutrient rich substrates. Yes plants love them but care has to be taken to ensure they don't leech too many nutrients into the water column. Some of the best success I've had with hairgrass has been in inert sand, plants get most of their nutrients from dosed ferts.

[F15hguy]

those tanks SUCK for plants,

get a glass tank an build it yourself

I have seen several nice 30L planted tanks done with 2 or 3 desk lamps for a cheap option.

[SamH]

I have seen several nice 30L planted tanks done with 2 or 3 desk lamps for a cheap option.

One is all you need, especially without CO2.

[F15hguy]

yeah, but miost ground cover plants like higher light (and the 3 light one was only about 20cm deep running a glooso iwagumi style)