I'm setting up my new 36 gallon tank soon (within a couple days) and I'm researching planted aquariums. I have plants (low light - Java Ferns and Anubias) in my other tanks and they seem to be doing well. Lots of new growth, so much so that I have plants living in my bathroom (my tanks are located in my room). My goal for my new tank is to take my planted aquarium experience to another level.
My dilemma is that I want some more variety in terms of plants and I want my plant growth to be better. My lighting in my 36 gallon works out to be about .47WPG (17watts/36gallons - doesn't include the natural light my tank gets) so I'm thinking I need a different bulb. But I think the max wattage my hood allows is 120 volts/20 watts/60 Hz. Then there's the issue of CO2 which I have never used (it scares me a little). Although I do use Flourish Excel, which I read somewhere can be used as a substitute for a CO2 system. Is that true? I don't want a DIY system because I'm just not that type of person (not gifted in the DIY department) so brands of already built CO2 systems would be helpful as well. The only thing that I seem to be good on is the substrate, I use a plant friendly substrate (eco-complete). But then through my reading I noticed people taking about other additives...which is where I see the dark hole! Oh and lets not forget algae.....urgh! Although I basically have my algae under control now.
I must admit I'm really confused about the whole planted aquarium thing (although I must know something considering my plants do survive and reproduce) and I have done a lot of reading.....which kinda made me stressed and more confused. Lol! I'm not really sure what I'm looking for in terms of help but any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!!
My dilemma is that I want some more variety in terms of plants and I want my plant growth to be better. My lighting in my 36 gallon works out to be about .47WPG (17watts/36gallons - doesn't include the natural light my tank gets) so I'm thinking I need a different bulb. But I think the max wattage my hood allows is 120 volts/20 watts/60 Hz. Then there's the issue of CO2 which I have never used (it scares me a little). Although I do use Flourish Excel, which I read somewhere can be used as a substitute for a CO2 system. Is that true? I don't want a DIY system because I'm just not that type of person (not gifted in the DIY department) so brands of already built CO2 systems would be helpful as well. The only thing that I seem to be good on is the substrate, I use a plant friendly substrate (eco-complete). But then through my reading I noticed people taking about other additives...which is where I see the dark hole! Oh and lets not forget algae.....urgh! Although I basically have my algae under control now.
I must admit I'm really confused about the whole planted aquarium thing (although I must know something considering my plants do survive and reproduce) and I have done a lot of reading.....which kinda made me stressed and more confused. Lol! I'm not really sure what I'm looking for in terms of help but any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!!
