Planted Tank Progression

[leng]

This is my first attempt at a planted tank which I had started in June.  It's funny how I had a certain style of aquascape in mind but ended up with a tank that looks quite different from what I had intended

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[kooby]

Hi! I like your tank.  The grassy look is interesting and pretty. I just started my very first planted tank (too) about a week and a half ago. I wish good luck to you and your tank!

[babblefish1960]

That is a lot of good growth in that time, I am sure the discus appreciate your efforts, I found our discus to prefer the security that plants provide.  Is this the tank you got the picture from for the photo contest?

[charlie]

Hey Leng, tank is looking fantastic, can`t wait to see your second attempt  .
Regards

[fischkopp]

Great aquascaping! Incredible growth rate! I really like your tank. 

[leng]

Thanks!
babblefish1960, I only have 1 tank.  I was close to starting a second tank but realized that I should learn more about planted tanks before getting in over my head.

[dan2x38]

leng very nice aquascaping love your plants & tank... also liked your entry in the photo contest!

[kennyman]

That looks sweet leng! 

[Nyx]

Wow, your tank looks absolutely amazing, leng! What type of lighting do you have? Also, what type of plant is in the foreground?

[leng]

Wow, your tank looks absolutely amazing, leng! What type of lighting do you have? Also, what type of plant is in the foreground?

Thanks.  The foreground plants are Glossostigma Elatinoides.  There are also some Dwarf Sagittaria on the left and right corners.

[sas]

Very nice! Do you mind me asking what substrate you've used?

[Nyx]

Thanks, leng! 

[leng]

Substrate - Eco Complete
Lighting -Coralife Compact Fluorescent 4x65 watts over 75 gallon tank

[sas]

Ah ok thanks leng. Must try some of that Eco-Complete one of these days.

[dan2x38]

leng do they sell the Eco-Complete locally? any cheaper then Flourite & what colours?

[Zoe]

Can you ID the plants that you used?  I know most of them, but not all... I hope you're entering the AGA Aquascaping contest with that beauty!!

[leng]

I don't think it is only the substrate that is contributing to the plant growth.  I also dose the tank with fertilizers.  The info below was passed on to me by Charlie:
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Get 1 lb of each of the following:
Potassium Nitrate KN03
Monopotassium Phosphate KH2PO4
Potassium Sulphate K2S04
Trace mix

and then follow the suggested dose for your tank size from the link, start with 2 x per week for a month & then increase to 3 x per week.
http://www.barrreport.com/articles/42-ei-light-those-less-techy-folks.html
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/water-parameters/21944-_dosing-regimes_.html
Here is a link that contradicts the old myth that that phosphate & other ferts cause algae.
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/algae/37017-po4-limiting-fert-no-algae.html
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I think I saw 1 bag of Eco Complete (20 lb) at Big Al's for around $40.  I bought mine from www.petsandponds.com.  The info on the packaging recommends 3 inches of Eco Complete.  I have about 2-1/2 inches in my tank.

As for entering the AGA contest...maybe when I build my second tank

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[dan2x38]

I think I saw 1 bag of Eco Complete (20 lb) at Big Al's for around $40.  I bought mine from www.petsandponds.com.  The info on the packaging recommends 3 inches of Eco Complete.  I have about 2-1/2 inches in my tank.

You got some awesome carpet cover but can't see what colour is the Eco-system substrate?

[charlie]

You got some awesome carpet cover but can't see what colour is the Eco-system substrate?

Dan,i think Ecco complete is only available in black.

[leng]

I pulled out all the glossostigma elatinoides in the tank and replanted because it was getting way too thick.  I also moved some plants around.  It took hours!  I couldn't believe how much glosso I had.  It filled out 1/3 of the 75 gallon tank when they were all uprooted.

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