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i am wanting to setup a fish and plant tank. the tank i have is a 37g (30x12x22 tall). i want to stock it with a group of tetras and a couple smaller fish like a dwarf guarami or something. i am going to make a sump/refugium for it. i have the option for a mh light (150w 10k) so light shouldnt be a problem. i also have some regular 24" NO flourescents i could use too/also.
if this was you....what would you stock it with and how would you set it up light-wise etc...?
i plan on using flourite for a substrate and maybe mix it with some tahitian moon sand (black). good idea or not? does it depend on what kind of plants? i want a couple tall plants and a bunch of med and a bunch of small grass-like plants for the bottom of the tank. i will put a couple bristlenose plecos in there for cleanup. am i off to a good start so far?

Last edited by acei at 28-Nov-2005 17:19

Acei,
Personally I would say the MH are overkill, though I am
sure they would work, but since I have never used them I
will not give advice as to wether or not you should use
them.

Regardless of what lighting method you choose it would
seem that you are aiming for a med-high light tank. in wich
case I believe CO2 supplementation to be essential. 46G
is a bit too large for DIY and pressurized gas would be
easier in the long run.

I would not mix the tahitian sand into the flourite, for I
cannot see any benefit from such a substrate. go with a
plant substrate, flourite, onyx sand, eco complete, ADA
substrates etc. Whatever is available, you can even use a
soil substrate though you will need to seek others advice
as I have not made one before.

Depending on the plant selection a Bristlenose pleco may
or may NOT be a good idea.

HTH,
Megil.