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Thread: plant positive effects ?

  1. #1
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    Default plant positive effects ?

    I am in the process of getting a 75 ready to put in the 5 fish I got from Liz a year ago this past past Wed. They were nickle/quater size and now
    are 5-3/4 to 6-1/2 . The 6-1/2 fish actual mearsurent
    My question and plan
    1- keep it bare bottom
    2- use a pot here or there for the plants.
    3- put in a pc. of drift wood.
    And of course to make it look good.
    Will the plants help with purifying the water? My water is 100tds and p. h. is 6.9 out of well
    and nitrates are o to 5ppm according to to api test kit? I was doing 90% + or- w/c daily with the 40 but it's going to be less with the 75.
    Is it worth the trouble? That is my question.
    JAY

  2. #2
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    Default Re: plant positive effects ?

    IME, yes plants are better than no plants 9/10 times. Even if they are out of the display and into the sump.

    1. They are faster at absorbing ammonia than the bio-media can convert into nitrate.
    2. They provide oxygenation during the day

    If you only want the first benefit; you can use emergent plants in the sump. The roots will absorb the ammonia faster than aquatic plants can use it. Or do both [aquatic and emergent].

  3. #3
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Re: plant positive effects ?

    Jay,
    What are you planning on doing for water changes on the 75 Gal ?

    What kind of lighting are you going to use?

    What kind of plants are you thinking about?

    What kind of filtration are you going to use?

    Al
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

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    Silver Member Iminit's Avatar
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    Registered Member bluelagoon's Avatar
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    Default Re: plant positive effects ?

    I would go with the wood aquascape and maybe some Aunbias or moss or fern attached. Small amount of substrate to cover the bottom glass which will need cleaning often. These plants will grow in any type of light and require a lot less nitrate which you now have and also do not require any added ferts. The fish waste should be enough for this type of plant. If you get into fast growing plants you will need a good plant light, no doubt you'll need ferts to keep them lush and green. I personally don't like the look of plants growing in pots. I'm more a naturalist. A planted tank looks nice but to me doesn't look like a natural looking discus tank.

  6. #6
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    Default Re: plant positive effects ?

    Quote Originally Posted by brewmaster15 View Post
    Jay,
    What are you planning on doing for water changes on the 75 Gal ?

    What kind of lighting are you going to use?

    What kind of plants are you thinking about?

    What kind of filtration are you going to use?

    Al
    50-75%
    1 Shop lite and either 1 full spectrum or a grow lite
    I'm not sure, probably swords and vals
    2 hydro fives and a hos[hang on the side] with hydro 5 intake at opposite end of the tank

    Thanks Al
    Jay

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    Default Re: plant positive effects ?

    Al

    I should add temp is 82.5F
    Jay

  8. #8
    Administrator brewmaster15's Avatar
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    Default Re: plant positive effects ?

    Jay,
    If you want something nice to look at then a couple of potted plants and driftwood is fine. You will probably be cleaning off their leaves alot if you use a shop lite .. I seriously doubt that with the kind of filtration and water changes you plan on doing that you will see much water purifying from a potted plant or two. If thats the goal, then be sure to root some pothos or philodendron vines into the tank. or add some watersprite ..Those are great at sucking up nitrates.

    hth,
    al
    AquaticSuppliers.com Freeze Dried BlackWorms and other foods your Discus will Love!!!


    >>>>>I am a science guy.. show me the science minus the BS

    Al Sabetta
    Simplydiscus LLC Owner
    Aquaticsuppliers.com


    I take Pics.. click here for my Flickr images

  9. #9
    Silver Member Iminit's Avatar
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    Default Re: plant positive effects ?

    Shop lights or grow lights can be cheap. Or were cheap years ago when the average fluorescent aquarium fixture was $200-300. Look on Amazon for the hygger 957. Should be able to find one for about $100 shipped. This is a great light.

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