Hey all,
I have become really interested in keeping plants and tranforming my 55 gallon tank to a heavily planted one. I have a few questions though.
I understand that the three major factors in plant growth is Co2, nutrition, and lighting. Right now I have no fertilizer, regular gravel, single strip regular flourescent lighting (30w total
), and no Co2 system. For each category I have a basic idea of how I will upgrade. I would like some input however to what you all think.
Lighting
In terms of lighting, I have been looking into HOT-5 lighting. I found a product called the Nova extreme 2xT-5 lighting system. recently, a Single lamp reflector version was released. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=16770. Because of the single lamp reflectors and the added power of the T-5 lights. Do you think this would be enough for most plants? even some grass like plants such as micro-sword?
Nutrition
I decided to go with the PPS-Pro system. Basically this is two types of fertilizers that you form with water and dry ferts. You make a micro-nutrient solution and then a macro-nutrient solution. What is the besty way to handle root feeders? The liquid solution won't go into the gravel will it? I have seen things like root tabs, special substrate, and laterite that you mix with the gravel. Which one do you thik is best?
Co2
I figured that at this point, Co2 would be almost required. Is this true? If anyone could give me any information about Co2 systems or post links, it would be appreciated. I need to learn a lot more about it. Also, any feedback fro systems would be nice.
Thanks for answering these questions. Sorry for having so many...
I have become really interested in keeping plants and tranforming my 55 gallon tank to a heavily planted one. I have a few questions though.
I understand that the three major factors in plant growth is Co2, nutrition, and lighting. Right now I have no fertilizer, regular gravel, single strip regular flourescent lighting (30w total
Lighting
In terms of lighting, I have been looking into HOT-5 lighting. I found a product called the Nova extreme 2xT-5 lighting system. recently, a Single lamp reflector version was released. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...0&pcatid=16770. Because of the single lamp reflectors and the added power of the T-5 lights. Do you think this would be enough for most plants? even some grass like plants such as micro-sword?
Nutrition
I decided to go with the PPS-Pro system. Basically this is two types of fertilizers that you form with water and dry ferts. You make a micro-nutrient solution and then a macro-nutrient solution. What is the besty way to handle root feeders? The liquid solution won't go into the gravel will it? I have seen things like root tabs, special substrate, and laterite that you mix with the gravel. Which one do you thik is best?
Co2
I figured that at this point, Co2 would be almost required. Is this true? If anyone could give me any information about Co2 systems or post links, it would be appreciated. I need to learn a lot more about it. Also, any feedback fro systems would be nice.
Thanks for answering these questions. Sorry for having so many...