Re: [GSAS-Member] Plants and Substrate Questions

[Matt Staroscik <matt@wrongcrowd.com>]

Before you start picking out substrate heaters and CO2, do you know what 
kinds of plants you want to keep?

I have a 90 gal planted tank and I don't use any of that stuff, because 
I am satisfied keeping the most modest plants... java fern, crypts, 
water sprite, etc. If you are satisfied with the easy plants, and you 
don't need CO2-powered growth rates, then maybe all you need are good 
lights.

As far as substrate, I chose Eco-Complete based on a lot of good word of 
mouth on the forums. I also like the way it looks. I put a layer of peat 
pellets underneath but I probably wouldn't bother with that again. 

I have 220W of PC lights over a 90 gal tank so I'm still kind of in the 
low-light range... but I am happy with it.

Hmm, no pics of the whole tank, but I have some closeups.

http://wrongcrowd.com/gallery/aq-critters?page=2 

> :}  I do want them to be happy though, and I'm thinking of copying 
> this kind of setup:  http://www.aquahobby.com/tanks/e_tank0509c.php .  

That looks very nice. I really need to add some wood or tall grasses to 
my background. I have never been too happy with my aquascaping, though 
for me it is much more about the critters than the plants.

(Anyone thinning some kind of nice tall background grasses?)

> 2)  Tell me about your favorite fish stores in Seattle.

I have not found a store I am wild about. Denny's Pet World in Totem 
Lake has a modest selection of plants, livestock and supplies but the 
prices are not great. 

Good luck!

-- 
Matt Staroscik
matt@wrongcrowd.com | http://wrongcrowd.com
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