newb questions

[Gaffer]

for starters, big thanks to all for the collective information. was a great help for tank that I set up a couple months ago. Now that the tank is settled however, I am looking at a few other things that may or may not be beneficial changes.

the setup:
65g FW
Plenn-Plax Cascade 700 can filter w/bio-sponge, bio-floss, pro-carbz, and bio-rings
Marineland Stealth Pro 250w @ 78F
Aquasun T5 HO 36" w/FloraSun & UltraSun bulbs
15lbs PETCO Black Aquarium Gravel
3 "potted" and 4 loose plants
2 Chinese algae eaters (1 will be going into a 2nd tank before they get too big)
1 red-tail shark
2 snails

first up, I am wondering if the 700 is adequate filtration. even if it is "adequate", would additional filtration be a help or a hindrance?

second, live plants & substrate: regular aquarium gravel vs. something like CaribSea Instant Aquarium Crystal River Gravel. I am going to be adding another 5-10lbs of gravel to even out the bottom so the potted plants don't resemble small mountains in the aqua scape. but am at a loss as to which is better for the plants & fish?

I had more thoughts, but want to see what the general response is first.

 

[ZackLanduyt]

Wow you can add a few more fish in there lol, talk about understocking and go a little bigger with yourr filtration if you like, it won't hurt anything, obviously there isn't a point in buying a mega huge filer for a 65g but bigger won't hurt it

 

[Gaffer]

I put a hold on the population since I am going over the ecology and setup. more fish = more time netting them if i need to make any big changes

 

[ZackLanduyt]

Ah understandable

 

[lauraf]

I know this isn't answering your main questions, but regarding the Chinese algae eaters - they will often turn on other fish, suckering their slime coats which leaves them vulnerable to disease. Since you may be netting them anyways, I'd think about returning them to the fish store. They aren't all that helpful with algae, and can be a real pain to catch when you are fully aquascaped . . . .
I mistakenly got two of them, and when I realized they were troublemakers, it took multiple attempts to stalk them to actually catch them, even with my tank half dismantled!
Just something to think about . . . .

 

[bassbonediva]

I would definitely increase your filtration. The 700 is rated for up to a 65gal tank. You always want to overfilter. Being right at filtration capacity means you have to be more vigilant with your water parameters and water changes and limits your stocking capacity to being WAY understocked (which isn't always a bad thing, but depending on what you want, it could be). So, that being said, I'd either add a mid-sized HOB filter (like an AquaClear 20 or so) or just upgrade your current filter. I have a Cascade 1000 on my 55gal and LOVE it.

As far as substrate, the more the better. At least that's my opinion. I have a 3" layer of pool filter sand in my 55gal (which equates to 50lbs of sand). My 29gal has a 1.5" layer of black aquarium sand over a 1.5" layer of red Flourite (for a total 3" substrate bed). Your plants will appreciate more substrate to root in and more substrate will provide more places for your beneficial bacteria to grow. The only benefit that I can see of the CaribSea gravel is that it is supposed to "instantly" cycle your aquarium (of which I'm skeptical). I would stick with just regular aquarium gravel, or if you want to boost your live plants, add something like Flourite or EcoComplete. It has built-in fertilizers. What kind of "loose" plants do you have? Unless it's hornwort, most plants sold in fish stores need to be planted for optimal growth.

Also, +1 on what Laura said! CAEs can be freakin' EVIL! I know a guy who had one (that was 11"!!) in his 90gal African cichlid tank and he was trying to get rid of it 'cuz it kept attacking his cichlids!

 

[Dylandrewsdad]

I always run 2 filters on my tanks for a few reasons, but mostly as a redundancy should something happen. SO you could just get a HOB filter to help. I like aqua clear's for there flexibility and Marineland for there overall awesomeness!

I have regular play sand and my plants to just fine. I can see the benefit of some of the "special" substrates, but I dose ferts so I don't need it.

 

[Kallen]

I always run 2 filters on my tanks for a few reasons, but mostly as a redundancy should something happen.

Agreed. I have a Magnum 350 Pro and a Penguin 300 (both made my MarineLand) on my 90gal. And I have had the magnum die (impeller magnet shattered), so a good thing I still a running filter for the several days it took to get a new magnet.

Aqadvisor says that the 350 and the 300 aren't enough...

 

[riseabovethesun]

+1 laura&bass

I agree about the horror stories of CAEs. I know there may be some positive ones, but the damage and cons outweigh any pros (imo).

I had a CAE who was about 1.5" long and he started killing off my other fish and causing havoc throughout the tank. This was before I was on the forum and learned that they were so evil, luckily I have learned all about 'em.

Also 3" would be a great amount of substrate, like bass said the plants just love it and it ultimately works our much better in the end. And also EcoComplete as said is fantastic for plant growth and looks, I have it in my tank -- previously was using Red Sea Floura Base, but that one is suggested to be replaced every 1-2 years and it is a disaster to work with, talk about clouds of dirt.

 

[Gaffer]

Thanks for the input, I was already leaning toward a 2nd filter, but now need to decide the type. I already had though of, and dismissed, upgrading the 700 to a 1000. mainly because the 700 is already established but more because I was already thinking of redundancy.

I had thought of a HOB filter, but I had set up the tank with the can in mind and there really isn't room for a HOB. Other 2 thoughts were either a 2nd (smaller) can or going with a UG with a powerhead.