new tank for the cak contest

[FishBlock]

I would like to try my hand at a planted tank, but before I go and spend money to convert one of my current  established tanks, I would like to learn first.
I  also would like to tie this tank in with the up and coming cak tank decorating contest.  My budget is going to be around $150.00, including the tank/stand/filter and what not.......so I'm for the cheap. I'm thinking of using a tank in the 20 gallon range, what kind of gravel / dirt is good to start with? what kind of filter setup, and co2 setup? Would I be able to use a single bulb hood light with a different bulb for plants?

[cichlid1409]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

your not going to get all that for 150.00 especially a co2 system i suggest you make your own if you want one without spending the big $$$ heres a link to video on how to make one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZFM9ZpaqGM&feature=related

cheap substrate - i cannot remember the name of it but home depot/lowes sell a substrate for underwater plants relatively cheap and i used it for a little longer than a year with good results before i got tired of the maintanence of my planted tank and discus.

filter - hang on back (HOB) filter with a bio-wheel would prob be cheapest and for a 20g IMO you dont need any thing else

lighting- you should have 3-4 watts per gallon so if you can get 60-80 watts of light doesn't mater how many bulbs you use 60 watts IMO should be enough.

[eklikewhoa]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

If you're gonna diy the co2 try not using a HOB, a very poor choice in planted tank.

The surface agitation coupled with the bio-wheel will be counter productive.

[cichlid1409]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

i do agree too much oxygenation but whats the alternative remember think cheap. you could always fill the tank all the way up and avoid too much surface agitation . I used a home made co2 with a HOB biowheel and have great results with it so much i was pruning once a week and tons of big beautiful cabomba (sp?). if you need make 2 co2 pumps doesnt matter too much the stuffs super cheap.

[armthehomeless]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

Cheap alternative? A powerhead with a sponge (<$15 retail).

[eklikewhoa]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

I agree with armthehomeless.... usually cheaper then what he said though.

As for pruning cabomba....  that stuff grows well in ditches too soo....

[Ramius]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

Coming soon:

Official CAK Ditch decorating contest.

[cichlid1409]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

EK always a downer.  :?

[eklikewhoa]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

I collected the stuff out of ditches and the bayou as a kid.... the truth hurts sometimes.

[cichlid1409]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

from what i've always read its hard to keep in aquarium but i never had any problems
pics from when i had it runnin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZFM9ZpaqGM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZFM9ZpaqGM&feature=related

just remember fishblock these are all opions from personel experiences. you have to make the final decision

[FishBlock]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

I'm down with cheap .....I like the idea of a DIY co2 system.  I'm planing on buying what I can used (tank / stand)
on the hob filters, how about one that doesnt use a bio wheel. like the tetra or aquaclear?
I'll have to check on the aqua dirt that Lowe's/depot sells. is there any other product I should consider?

[cichlid1409]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

just want to verify its not 'dirt' its a small gravel like substance and last time i bought it only sold in 10lb bags if i remember correctly. only reason i say biowheel is b/c its better for bacterial colonies than a reg HOB.

[JStrider]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

the $10 stuff at home depot/ lowes is schultz Aquatic Plant Soil.

[cichlid1409]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

good call! :emtthumbs:

[schance]

Re: new tank for the cak contest

fish ranch 2 on larkwood has mini filters that are submersible and would be perfect for a plant tank