Need advise on setting up my puffer tank

[boosted23]

Yes, i was told initial setup is a rather large upfront cost, especially cause i am starting from scratch. i thought i was almost done and ready to startup untill i scanned through this forum and azaquaticplants. I have learned alot in the past 2 weeks on how to start and maintain a flourishing tank with plants and puffer. It seems like a lot of work but the payout of what it looks like will be worth it to me. I've always wanted a good looking tank and i thought it could only be really achieved with only salt water. I was wrong. I have seen some beautiful f.w. Planted tanks.

i will take and post pictures of my progress this weekend. My job(used car mechanic) has been quite busy these past few weeks. It has finally slowed down and i can have time to do more work on the setup.

[boosted23]

fishtank by boosted23, on Flickr
Got my Co2 tank,Python, water test kit, melafix, liquid potassium, and prime in. Now i am waiting for my 2 300watt heaters, co2 reactor, python sink adapter kit, 80lbs of substrate, and my 4x54w t5 ho light system to come in the mail. After this i should be ready to fill, plant, and cycle so i can finally get my puffer!!!

Does anyone know if i am missing anything or am i good to go to get running?

[defool89]

Lol on that adapter its so annoying that they just dont provide it...I was so mad when it didnt fit... you are doing great I cant think of anything

[Pufferpunk]

Liquid potassium?

[boosted23]

Liquid potassium?

yes, the liquid potassium is for the plants. tap water provides close to what minerals plant can use but not potassium. my l.f.s. guy said potassium helps with the plant coloration.

Lol on that adapter its so annoying that they just dont provide it...I was so mad when it didnt fit... you are doing great I cant think of anything

That sucks.... i got the adapter for inner threaded faucets, which mine isnt... i got the extra adapters, hopefully one of them work.....lol thank you sir on letting me know i have it done so far.... i am finally DONE on spending money for the setup. now just plants and the puffer, cant wait to be able to get him!!!!

[Pufferpunk]

I swear by the stuff this site offers: www.yamatogreen.com.

[boosted23]

i looked through that site. it looks to be pretty badass stuff. definately alot cheaper than the nutrients that my l.f.s. carries. just the potassium was $17 and tax.

[defool89]

I have not bought stuff from them but just by reading the website I was well informed on plants. Just finish your potassium its still good stuff and then buy the other product and see whats best for you. If I'm not mistaken it helps with reds etc. But plants need much more than that. That Yamato stuff is probably an all round. I use trace elements but if you gave your plants each individual supplement odoubtly you will be looking at a great result. Just stay away from phosphates. Consider it the enemy.

Remeber, algae is just a microscopic plant that needs the same nutrition as your plants. But limit a few elements your plants can do less of that algae needs to bloom. Phosphates is one. If your plants are being treated correctly they SHOULD out compete algae for nutrients therfore limiting algae, NOT eliminating it wich is impossible. That co2 should do great to make those plants thrive and get hungry for more nutrition increasing their absorption abilities in theory.

[Pufferpunk]

I use Jobe's Plant Sticks for the roots. 1 stick broken up & pushed deep under the roots/10g.

[sgtmyers88]

Your refinishing job on that tank looks amazing! Great Work!

[boosted23]

I use Jobe's Plant Sticks for the roots. 1 stick broken up & pushed deep under the roots/10g.

i am goon get root tab and put it in the substrate.

Your refinishing job on that tank looks amazing! Great Work!

thank you sir, i put in alot of effort into making it look good. really appreciate the notice of accomplishment.

I have not bought stuff from them but just by reading the website I was well informed on plants. Just finish your potassium its still good stuff and then buy the other product and see whats best for you. If I'm not mistaken it helps with reds etc. But plants need much more than that. That Yamato stuff is probably an all round. I use trace elements but if you gave your plants each individual supplement odoubtly you will be looking at a great result. Just stay away from phosphates. Consider it the enemy.

Remeber, algae is just a microscopic plant that needs the same nutrition as your plants. But limit a few elements your plants can do less of that algae needs to bloom. Phosphates is one. If your plants are being treated correctly they SHOULD out compete algae for nutrients therfore limiting algae, NOT eliminating it wich is impossible. That co2 should do great to make those plants thrive and get hungry for more nutrition increasing their absorption abilities in theory.

i am gonna use up the potassium first. you are correct about it helping the reds. that is what my l.f.s. associate told me also. he also said stay away from phosphate also. thank you for that better understanding of algae. i appreciate the help with my noobness to puffers and planted tanks. you all have been great!!! thank you.

[Terrance]

you dont need the root tabs since you already got the dry ferts. i have only usee seachem root tabs and they work fine.

[Pufferpunk]

Yeah, I use the root tabs with the Yamato Green.

[boosted23]

hey p.p. what is your filtration setup on your 125? on some other forums they are saying i need about 1000gph filtration with planted tank and puffer. my cascade is rated at 315 gph, i was thinkin another filter of that flow should be sufficient. would i be correct in that assumption? i really dont wanna buy 2 more...

[Pufferpunk]

3x AC 110s & an Eheim 2217. 75% weekly WC.