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Planted Tank Question- Siphoning

Discussion in 'Aquatic Plants & Planted Tanks' started by Walker, Apr 16, 2012.

  1. Walker

    Walker Thread Starter New Member

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    Awesome :) And for future reference, since Ill be starting a 29 gallon at home, how do you go about cleaning around live plants? Am I supposed to remove them? Or is it a better idea to just gently vacuum around them?
     
    Walker, Apr 16, 2012
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  2. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    Planted tanks can be a little more tricky...moreso as far as lighting goes and that will depend on what type/kind of plants you want to grow (whether they are low, moderate, or high light plants). IF you want the high light plants you'll more than likely need co2 and pricey lighting. MOST plants will require at least 2.5wpg.


    I wrote this with small tanks like 10g in mind, but it will also be helpful for your tank too..

    The Small Planted Tank Setup Guide - Do It Yourself!

    You always have options:
    Substrate Cheap--> Pea Gravel, Play Sand, Pool Filter Sand
    Substrate Pricey--> CaribSea Eco-Complete Planted (doesn't need rinsing...Yay!), and Flourite (rinse, rinse, and rinse some more).

    Lighting Cheap--> Fluorescent Shoplight, Fluorescent Cabinet Light
    Lighting Pricey--> Led, T5/T5Ho, Compact Fluorescent (warning these bulbs are very expensive to replace and don't last super long).

    Just A few lighting ideas (if you don't already have, be sure to shop around and check for coupon codes & click through programs such as bigcrumbs.com):
    http://www.aquariumguys.com/aqualight-flourescent-fixture.html (I'd only suggest this if you're doing low lights like crypts)
    http://www.aquariumguys.com/zoo-med-aquasun-t5-ho-double-light-linear-fluorescent-hood-30in.html     (no bulbs included, must purchase seperately)
    http://www.aquariumguys.com/current-nova-extreme-freshwater30.html
    http://www.aquariumguys.com/aquaticlife-dual-lamp-t5ho-freshwater-30in.html
    and of course they go up in price from here.

    For rooted plants like swords I'd suggest getting yourself some "root" tabs such as Seachem Flourish Tabs.

    Oh, and we have alot of various places to find live plants for your planted tank too, some with reviews:

    Aquatic Plants Dealers and Stores Online
     
    MOD_Dawn, Apr 16, 2012
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  3. Walker

    Walker Thread Starter New Member

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    Well I have some standard gravel I'm going to use. I suppose you'd call it pea gravel. And the light I have came with it attached to the hood. It's an Aqueon 29gal "starter" kit basically with pump, heater, light, etc. I've already looked online for some beginner plant packs so I'll try my luck with those after awhile.

    So should I vacuum gently around the planted plants or remove them when I vacuum the gravel?
     
    Walker, Apr 17, 2012
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  4. MOD_Dawn

    MOD_Dawn Active Member

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    vac. around them, never move them as it will disrupt their roots.
    and if it's the light that came with the starter kit then you'll definately want low light plants like crypts.
     
    MOD_Dawn, Apr 17, 2012
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