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After all the information i have read from these forum and from others as well, i would just like to know if one would still need an aerator if you have a planted aquaria?

Star of the stormy sea of my mortal life, may your light shine upon me so that I do not stray from the path that leads me to heaven.

The short answer would be yes, especially since most of the oxygen in a tank comes from the surface film, not from the plants, and unless you have some very tough species like bettas for example who can take atmospheric air, there is nearly always a need for some water surface disturbance, be it from filter outlets or airstones.

Plants are often sold as oxygenators, but their effectiveness in this regard is more or less a myth unless the bioload of the tank is tiny with very few fish indeed, and an absolute mass of plants, and a good level of light. Even then, at night time there may be an oxygen shortfall.

If your expectation on stocking are anything like those of most people, an aerator is a necessity.

That is a big yes except if you are using Co2 where you do not require a lot of surface water movement.

In both tanks there is plenty of air movement especially in the 5ft tank other than the 2x4ins ceramic stones there is the 2 outlets from the UGF and also all the water movement from the Eheim Pro11 spray bar. I personally think the large Anubias love all the extra water movement. There would be plants that grow in very still waters and these would require a far softer air/water movement.

Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info

Look here for my
Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos


Keith

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thank you so much for the information, it is greatly appreciated.

I am planning by late August this year that i would plant my 75 gallon tank. Its just that i am trying to gather as much information as i can to be ready mentally, emotionally and financially. Actually, i posted a similar question in another forum in this website but no one seems to like to pay it a visit.

Just like what i've said, i've read over the internet a lot of information about planting one's aquarium and their seems well at least for me some areas which i dont completely get. Now, If you may fellow aquarium enthusiasts i would just like to get some information about certain things. thank you in advance for any information.

1) Can i use ordinary flourescent lights just like the ones we use to light up our homes? Are compact lights different from flourescent lights and actinic?

2) What is the real challenge when it comes down to having a planted aquarium?

3) Can i use an overhead filter?

4) I've been to Diana Walstad gallery and i was very amazed by the sight of her planted tanks. And i've read somewhere that she uses soil as substrate then top it with a gravel. This is the part where it gets me confused. Can i use ordinary soil as substrate or are there specialized mixes for planted aquariums? Can i use soil-less potting mixes just like the ones i find in hardware stores for potted plants? Actually, this is where i usually buy my soil mixes www.greenhearts.com. I use enrico or plantastic, the question is can i use it as substrate for my water plants?

5) Is there a cycling period for planted aquariums?

For now, these are the questions that i really really need your responses. Again thank you so much and i'll keep you posted.

Godbless





Star of the stormy sea of my mortal life, may your light shine upon me so that I do not stray from the path that leads me to heaven.

last five questions answered in your other post.

thanks plankton

Star of the stormy sea of my mortal life, may your light shine upon me so that I do not stray from the path that leads me to heaven.