METHODS FOR SETTING UP A PLANT TANK

WEBMASTERS NOTE: These aren't my methods, they were suggestions made to me by members of the Catfish List. John Kuhns and Shane Linder, to be exact.

METHOD 1: John Kuhns: Filter Type: Perfecto Undergravel Filter driven by an air pump and Kordon MistAir air stones and an external power filter of sufficient size for your tank Substrate: 3" of red flint pea gravel (particle sizes 1/8" - 1/4") mixed with hen grade crushed oyster shell at 9 parts gravel to 1 part oyster shell. Place one layer of this mixture in the bottom of the tank and then smooth it out. On top of this, place a layer of planting medium (AquaTerra was reccomended), and then finally, the top layer will be pea gravel and oyster shell. This layer can be sculpted as you wish. Supplements: Kordon Aquatic Plant Nutrient- utilize an iron test kit to determine the need for an additive. Webmasters Notes: This set up may increase the hardness of your water due to calcium leaching from the oyster shell. This could cause problems if you are trying to keep sensitive tetras or other soft water fish. Opinions on this, anyone? Email me!

METHOD 2: Shane Linder: Filter Type: Unspecified by author- external power filter or canister filter would work best with this set up IMO. Substrate: Line bottom of tank with a rinsed layer of peat moss. Next lay down 2" of 1/4" natural colored aquarium gravel [Gravel color really doesn't matter to the fish- use what you like so long as it is made JUST for aquariums] mixed with laterite and plant tab fertilizers. The final layer is 1 inch of very fine gravel (particles just larger than sand). Supplements: Regular additions of liquid fertilizer. Authors Notes" This set up will run for about 2 years with added liquid fertilizer. Anubias and Crypt will thrive in this substrate, and so will most swords. Webmasters Notes: Keep in mind that peat 1) softens your water and 2) may tint it red. Opinions on this, anyone? Email me!

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