Some advice

[White Lightning]

I have always wanted to try my luck with a planted tank but never got around to it. I was wondering if someone could answer a few questions.

Is it easier to keep a large or small tank. ( I was thinking of maybe converting my 125 gallon)

I have power compacts with 4 96 watt bulbs. Would this be sufficient for a planted tank?

Is CO2 mandatory for a planted set up?

Any tips or suggestions are welcomed.

[dan2x38]

I have always wanted to try my luck with a planted tank but never got around to it. I was wondering if someone could answer a few questions.

Is it easier to keep a large or small tank. ( I was thinking of maybe converting my 125 gallon)

I have power compacts with 4 96 watt bulbs. Would this be sufficient for a planted tank?

Is CO2 mandatory for a planted set up?

Any tips or suggestions are welcomed.

A large tank like yours is fine but harder to add CO2 if your using it. Your tank is good becuase it is not that high it is 21" isn't? The light would be fine for many plants. Keeping the bulbs replaced just like in salt is always good too. PC bulbs are not as effiecent as say T5s though and they creat more heat.

There are lots of plants you can grow with CO2 and have a great setup too. For colourful plants CO2 is pretty much needed though. You can supplement with Excel by Seachem a carbon supplement but it would be costly for that large a tank.

A good gaulity substrate is important (IMO) always for even easy plants. So bottom up is my approach always. Start out with a simple setup first then add on as you learn and to see if it is what you want. It takes work and maintenance to have a nice planted tank and prevent algae blooms. There are simple setups with less work too.

Is it easier in a large tank over a smaller one? IMHO I think any tank 20" & under is perfect the taller the tricky it gets.

A planted tank is an awesome additon to any room for sure!

[White Lightning]

Thanks Dan,

I knew you would be the man to ask being as though you had some pretty impressive planted tanks before you jumped to the dark side of salt. lol

[fischkopp]

Is it easier to keep a large or small tank. ( I was thinking of maybe converting my 125 gallon)

It depends, there is no yes or no, black or white to this question:

That larger tanks leave more room for error also applies to planted tanks. The bigger the tank, the greater is the range of plants that can be used - especially taller or faster growing species. It gives you more room for your ideas. On the other hand it will require more time for general maintenance, pruning and aquascaping will take longer; the maintenances is also somewhat proportional to the amount of light on the tank. I consider your fixture as quite strong; you should be able to grow anything with it, but CO2 will be essential. If you don't want to go that route you will have to reduce the light.

Smaller tanks give you success faster, as they grow in quickly, lights setups can be simple yet powerful, CO2 can be provided be provided in DIY fashion. But they can also collapse faster, bigger plants or fast growers can outgrow the tanks quickly. I like them to experiment with plants and ideas.

What matters here is what you would like your tank to look like, and simply go from there.

I have power compacts with 4 96 watt bulbs. Would this be sufficient for a planted tank?

Yes. Might be even too much.

Is CO2 mandatory for a planted set up?

No. But each planted tank will benefit from CO2 injection. Use of strong lighting will require CO2.

[White Lightning]

Thanks Robert,

What is a good beginner plant to start with?

[cichlidicted]

Well since the more experienced members have answered your questions i just wanna add a few comments based on my opinion ... as a start i would go with a smaller tank for several reasons... one, if u'r new to this u wouldn't wanna spend alot of money on substrate, plants, fish, co2 related equipments, fertz and then find out you dont have the time to maintain the tank ... maintenance in my opinion is the most important issue here, a healthy tank requires weekly water changes and prunning ... if u'r okay with that then go ahead with the big tank ...

In regards to some beg. plants you can start with .. i started with amazon swords, anubias, java ferns, Vallisneria (beautiful background plant) can be good to hide equipments ... am sure there's a alot more ... but it all depends on what you want ur layout to look like ...

A good start would to gooogle aquarium layouts .. and find out the plants you would like to grow.

I hope this helps, am not good in explaining my thoughts lol.
Goodluck.

[dan2x38]

I hope this helps, am not good in explaining my thoughts lol.
Goodluck.

Thought ya explained it quite well... Try this cool little online app: http://www.theaquatools.com/aquasketcher

[White Lightning]

I am completely on the fence about which direction I should go with this tank. As far as willingness to aquascape, compelte water changes and pruning, I am more than willing to do the necessary work that is involved in keeping a healthy tank.

I am thinking about starting out with some beginner plants ( hopefully they will be at the garage sale..hint hint) and then go from there.

In terms of substrate, what is recommended?