C02 Planted Tank - The Real Deal

[Proteus]

As a follow on to this thread - C02 Planted Tank - Trial Run (http://www.discusforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4257) this thread will show all the steps involved in setting up this tank and offer the chance to make suggestions in regards to how this planted display tank will take form.

The equipment that will be used.

Windsor 88 350L Corner tank with Cabinet

http://www.discusforums.com/forum/files/88.jpg

2 x 1200L Canister Filters (both from existing tanks)

1 x 11w UV Steriliser

1 x Sera Computer Controlled C02 system (as per previous planted tank)

1 x 40w Red Sea/Dupla Root Therm heating cable

1 x 250/300w External controlled heater

approx 25kg Red Sea/Dupla Flora Base substrate

15-20kg Pool Filter grade sand

either;

1 x Aqua Medic Aquastarlight T5 (4x39w)

or,

1 x Arcadia T5 Reflector (4 x 39w)

plus, 1 x T8 Reflector (2 x 20w) (to add light to the back corner)

The tank is in the process of having a high quality rock/root background being installed which adds a lot more visual depth to the tank.

[discusmaster]

Given how good the last tank looked and the way the previous thread was done (explaining all the steps involved) I am sure this tank is going to be a wee ripper

[Merrilyn]

Looking forward to seeing this tank coming together. Great job proteus.

[Roy]

Excellent to see you doing another tank, and a bigger one at that :D
Will be interested to see how the root therm works out, i havent installed mine yet.

Roy

[Proteus]

Update: The Latex Rock background has been installed and ample time has been given for the silicone to cure.

Should have it on hand later this evening or tomorrow, pics will follow.


Will be interested to see how the root therm works out, i havent installed mine yet.

I tossed up for days over using heating cables, but I am thinking this will serve as a learning curve for this type of planted tank. Being that my next project is an Amano style tank using only ADA products (they dont use heating cables). It will be good to compare both once established.

[Sime76]

I've noticed on some serious planted tank forums, they recon substrate heating is a waste of time. So if you do use them it will be interesting to see if they make a diff.

[Proteus]

I've noticed on some serious planted tank forums, they recon substrate heating is a waste of time. So if you do use them it will be interesting to see if they make a diff.

I have read that on some forums, at the same time, those same people claim that the specialist type substrates like Flourite, Eco-Complete, ADA etc are a waste of money and don't work either.

Yet, you go look at all the successful Dutch style plants aquaria, and the majority of those use some form of substrate heating. Each to their own I guess, and at the end of the day, if it works good, if it doesnt do much, then others will have more information on their side.

Win/Win as far as I see.

[jho51e]

i think susbstrate heating might be useful for areas who get really cold and snowy... :-)

[Proteus]

i think susbstrate heating might be useful for areas who get really cold and snowy... :-)

very funny.... lol

I actually did a test in my current planted tank sticking my fingers deep into the substrate (at the back it is approx 8-12cm deep), and even though the tank water is sitting nicely on 27c, the bottom of the substrate was very cool... to be a bit more scientific I pushed a glass thermometer into the substrate and after 2 mins it was readiing 19c... go figure

[OscarManAlpha]

Just thought I might add that the substrate heating also creates gentle upward movement in the substrate. And can aid in preventing areas of the substrate from becoming anaerobic.

For this reason they make perfect sense too me...that goes beyond just providing heat.

It also allows shorter rooted plants to get nutrients from well below the top surface of the substrate, as the current created allows iron to reach the roots.

As for the cons of using them I have heard and only once that some large root plants may become harder to move as the roots entwine into the wires.

Plenty of R&D ( research and development ) has been done on them and although they may not be a major limiting factor in growing plants if one doesn't use them, it is a nice luxury to have and to know one may extend the working life of the substrate.

These are just my thoughts from what I have read on them.

Looking forward to hearing more about them as this project gets underway.

So far all I can say is I'm jealous, I really want those lights !!

I think you are going to get a lot of pleasure from sitting in front of your garden especially with winter setting in.......

Cheers,

Mark

[Proteus]

I think you are going to get a lot of pleasure from sitting in front of your garden especially with winter setting in.......

Lucky for the fish and plants the tank isnt any bigger, otherwsie I woul be sitting in the tank all nice and warm...

[Proteus]

Finally managed to get the tank home, mind you it weighs more than a 5x2x2 in 12 mm glass plus is very awkward to carry.

Anyway, pics as promised. In regards to the joins at the back which have been pebbled up, that wont be seen due to filter intakes and tall plants.

[mcloughlin2]

Pro im looking forward to the end result here...

It should look fantastic...!!!! :shock: :D :P

[Proteus]

So far some credit needs to be given to the sponsors.

ASA - For the Heating Cable, Heater, Substrate and other tech equipment.

Xtreme - For provision and installation of the latex background, plus delivery of the tank.

Xtreme - Supply of the tank, filter and basic lighting.

Thank you for the great deals so far.

[Ben]

So far so good!
tank looks great and it does not have water in it yet!

[Merrilyn]

Background looks wonderful.

Keep those pictures coming Ro.

And a big pat on the back to the very generous sponsors :P

[apalsson]

Looking good Proteus!!

I have been looking to purchase the same tank (Windsor 88) for my new Discus tank but not been successful in finding one at a price I have been ready to pay.

Anyone know of good specials out there? I'm happy to pick up anywhere within the Sydney metro area.

Ari

[Proteus]

What price do you consider reasonable? I might be able to pull some strings.

Bear in mind you get a CF1200 canister, twin 3ft light & heater as well as the tank and all furniture.

(to pick up you need a van or ute, it wont fit in a hatch or wagon)

[apalsson]

Proteus, I have sent you a PM

[jho51e]

gorgeous background!!!

[Darth_discus]

very nice tank especially the background

[Nathan]

thatl look great, cant wait for more pics

[Proteus]

Project is on hold for a month or so as we have just received notice that we have to move.

Sorry.

[Roy]

Bummer.

Roy

[OscarManAlpha]

I guess the upside is you get to plan your new abode around the tank. :wink:

Also gives you time to plan the hard scape in terms of finding that perfect piece of driftwood.

Looking forward to it's progress in the up coming months.

Sorry to hear you have to move the tank so soon after it just arrived. :cry:

Cheers,

Mark

[Proteus]

I guess the upside is you get to plan your new abode around the tank. :wink:

Also gives you time to plan the hard scape in terms of finding that perfect piece of driftwood.

Looking forward to it's progress in the up coming months.

Sorry to hear you have to move the tank so soon after it just arrived. :cry:

Cheers,

Mark

I already have 3 nice pieces of wood with anubias and moss on them which are resiging in my makeshift holding tank (bathtub).

Also, the new ADA driftwood is to die for, so it will just be a matter of finding the right piece or combination of pieces.

As to the task of carrying it back out and down the stairs... not looking forward to it, however it will be moved well before D-Day so it can be moved into the new place the second keys are handed over (same with a few new tanks 7x2.5x2 & 5x2x2)

[Davo]

If you need a hand with moving the tanks give me a yell.

Dave.

[Jonesy]

if you need your locks changed give me a yell

[Proteus]

lol.... thanks guys

[Brad]

Also, the new ADA driftwood is to die for, so it will just be a matter of finding the right piece or combination of pieces.




Are these going to be available from Xtreme soon?

[Proteus]

I think given the size and delicate nature of the ADA wood, they wont be listed online.

[Davo]

What sort of price range are we looking at with the driftwood?

Dave.

[Proteus]

I will double check tomorrow but ranges between $30 and $200 approx.

[Davo]

Thanks mate,

Do you have any pictures of the wood?

Dave.

[Proteus]

Thanks mate,

Do you have any pictures of the wood?

Dave.

Nope, but I can ask someone to take some...

[Davo]

Do Xtreme have any in stock?

Dave.

[Proteus]

Do Xtreme have any in stock?

Dave.

yup... a few pieces anyway (due to limited space)

[j.c fishfan]

Hey Proteus have you moved yet?

Cant wait to see this setup

Jamie :D

[Proteus]

This tank was sold several months ago (for a bargain price mind you).

Will be setting up some bigger tanks (1,000 litre +) in the coming weeks

[j.c fishfan]

Oooops i didnt see the date!!Thats what happens when your sick and delusional he he

I cant beleive i didnt see the date!

Ah well i look forward to seeing the 1,000L+

Jamie :D

[Robdog]

Given how good the last tank looked and the way the previous thread was done (explaining all the steps involved) I am sure this tank is going to be a wee ripper

Ahhh whatever happened to Discusmaster?

[Proteus]

Ahhh whatever happened to Discusmaster?

...and their friends (cant think of their usernames at the moment)

always good for a laugh, or a roll of the eyes

:roll: