First real planted tank

[Pistol_pete]

I just set up my first real planted tank. All my tanks have many plants in them but this one was setup especially for plants. I bought a used setup from a member of OVAS and moved all the residents of my 14 gal. eclipse into this 29 gal. eclipse with a 65W 6700K power compact fluo. The move went very well with the exception of a couple of things. A cory freaked while in the net and got one of his fins so tangled, it was ridiculous and a series of heater incidents (the heater that came with the tank didn't seem to work well so I went a purchased a new one which got stuck after a few minutes and brought my temps up to 81F so I'm on my third heater in less than 24 hours).

The reason for this post is for advice on keeping a planted tank. I used a bed of flourite covered in a thin layer of moderately fine gravel. I added a liquid fertilizer and that's about it. What else should I do to make this work well? What plants should I avoid and which ones are a must get?

Thanks

[Fishnut]

A DIY CO2 will be a nice addition   I think there's a thread in this section about it.   BTW...did you cycle the new tank before adding the fish?

[fischkopp]

Which plants to avoid and which ones to use pretty much much depends on what you like and whats available With your lighting you can grow most aquatic plants, maybe try to stay away from the very light demanding red ones. I agree with fishnut that CO2 is a nice addition, almost a must if you dedicate this tank to plants. You may not want to fertilize your tank in the beginning, wait until you see deficiencies in growth. Over all it a good idea to follow some guidelines for fertilizing and don't do it by good guess (or recommendation on the package). Try read up on Tom Barr's EI method (Estimative Index) - it helped many to successfully start a planted tank and to keep algae under control.

And keep one thing in mind: The most import factor is your patience. Don't get frustrated and change to many things at once if something doesn't go the way you want. One little tweak at the time and wait what happens, thats the whole trick. Have fun.

PS: reported to move it in the plant forum

[Pistol_pete]

BTW...did you cycle the new tank before adding the fish?

I tore down a well established tank to create this one. I don't think there will be much cycling going on. I used 75% of the gravel and all but one porous rock that were in my old tank. I didn't wash them and only removed the chunks so I assume a lot of bacteria went along for the ride. I didn't take the last bit of water (I stopped when I reached the gravel) as it looked full of sediment down there but the rest of the water went in to the new tank. This was the equivalent to a 50% water change. 14g to 29g, pretty close to 50%. The old bio-wheel was also seeded from the previous owner and kept wet (I know this is a risk but I saw her new tank and everybody seems healthy in there. She also seemed like a very knowledgable and trust worthy person but then again, it wouldn't be the first time I get fooled by a cute girl ). I gave the old wheel a wash in de-chlorinated water and poured more water over the bio-wheel from my old tank and let it drip on this one. I then stuck them in a bowl for two hours for the bacteria to migrate some more. I may go through a mini cycle but the bio-load hasn't changed and I'm sure I brought over a bacteria or two. I wont add any fish for at least one month. I already have 8 in my quarantine tank and they are set to be released in 30 days (if all checks out with them). It will be a long 30 days I'll also go slow on adding plants.

I'm a little intimidated with CO2. It was something that I always wanted out of my tank and then I have to add some. Kinda makes me chicken to try it but with some research and forums like this, I'll get over my fear and make something happen.

Thanks

[jrs]

The best analogy I can think of when people ask me about CO2 is dialup internet vs. high speed or DSL.

Once you get CO2 you will look back and say "why didn't I do that sooner"