Hey All~

Just wondering what substrates all of you planted-tankers out there use? I'm starting my planted tank soon and I'm trying to find quality product, but I have NO idea where to start!

Also I need somewhere between 5000 and 7000 k (I think that's how to write it) of lighting. Can you just get that at your LFS? Any help would be great, thank you!

Ok, this is my set up, and I know nt everyone will agree with it, but it has worked WONDERS for me, and all my plants are healthy and striving!

I dont use any fertilized substrate. I have small gravel about 1 1/2 inches deep, and then on top of that a layer of large river rock. The small rocks give the plants to root nicely down into. I add a liquid fertilizer to my water. I use Flora Pride. I dont know of many people on here that use it, but it has worked great for me, so im not gonna change. Then, which I think is what does the wonders for my plants, is the lighting system I bought. I spent $250 on it. Its a cora life lighting hood, the ones that sit on top of the tank and the tank is left open on top. There are a set of pink lights in there, and then a set of lunear lights. I leave them on 8 hours, and then shut them off. I have it set up to a timer. So lunear lights click on for half an hour, then the T-50's click on, and then when they shut off, the T-50's click off, and the lunear lights stay on for another half an hour. It reminds me of the sun rise and sun set. I have over 4 watts per gallon going on in there. My plants LOVE it!!!

This is what I use. Not sure if its much help, or answered any questions, but thought it might be some help.

You should try and avoid getting a substrate that is to big....like gravel, nothing bigger then pea size. Because the plants have problems getting nutrients out of it.
If this isn't a goldfish tank, id go with sand, they seem to do good in my 15 gallon tropical tank with the sand. And it looks great.

Now for lighting you need about 3 watts per gallon.You should get the flourescent lights (bulb/tube) The normal bulbs expell more heat then light. Which isn't so good for
all plants... And its more costly aswell.. because you don't get the amount of light your
paying for... lol your heating up the tank haha .

Anyways good luck

-Alex

Thanks you guys. I'm think of the same stuff that Big Red uses...It's reccommended on a couple of sites I've been resaeching...Black Oranda where did you get your stuff that's pea sized? I haven't seen any like that...this is for my goldie tank BTW. Also, did ya'll get your lighting at your regular LFS or did you special order it? Thanks for all your help....

I got all my stuff at my Localfish store.

Are you just buying regular flourescent tubes? If so, what length are they?

They are about two feet in length each. (I have two) I know there are special plant wattage ones I can get at my LFS...I'll most likley go with those...

You can also buy full spectrum bulbs at a store like Home Depot for about $7-8 Cdn. I use these in my planted tank and they do a great job. The kelvin rating will be marked on the tube.

Chroma 50 is a good one rated at 5,000 k. I also have a bulb by Sylvania called Daylight Plus, rated at 6,500 k.

Here is a webpage with data for fluorescent tubes:
http://www.begonias.ca/tubes.htm

Thank You TFS! I'm taking it all in right now before I buy anything. I want to do it right even if it gets a little expensive....

I have been very happy with Eco-Complete substrate - right size, light, looks good, NO RINSING! Have fun with your planted tank!

Thanks Graham! I'll look into that one!