29 Gal Build

A

Aquazilla

Small Fish
#1
Jul 26, 2011
11
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#1
So ive got this:

29 gallon tank
Fluval 305 Canister
Hydor 200w Inline Heater
Catalina Aquarium 30in T5 HO light w/ 2x 6500k Bulbs
IMG_1332.jpg

Will I be able to grow dwarf baby tear and some other plants that ive not yet decided on with no co2?

I mean if I must, I can conjure up the cash to purchase a co2 unit or make one myself and be just as happy not spenind a couple hundred... I would just rather not if i dont have to.

I just wanna know will I be able to grow DBT with no co2, similar to this....

Oh, and I plan on using flourite for subtrate...what you think?
7rgoal83b7gom15iozuk.jpg user19555_pic1862_1226856366.jpg
 

O

OrangeCones

Elite Fish
#3
Feb 27, 2009
4,395
0
36
#3
You didn't say what watts your T5 lighting is, but you will need a decent amount of light, liquid ferts and a source of carbon to grow Hemianthus callitrichoides from my experience. CO2 is one route (DIY or pressurized), some use Excel also.

A 29gallon tank can be difficult to get good light at the substrate level without needing ferts and CO2 to balance it out so you don't get algae growth instead.
 

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A

Aquazilla

Small Fish
#5
Jul 26, 2011
11
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#5
IMG_1631.jpg so i finally got around to adding some fluval stratum subtrate, and running my filters to make sure there was no leaks...water cleared up well.

Should I have more subtrate in there? and should I mix something in with it?
 

phin

phin

Large Fish
#6
Oct 21, 2009
218
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#6
In a 29 gallon tank it may be more cost effective to use excel than to purchase a con kit, and worth the cost to avoid maintaining a diy co2 kit. About 1.5cc daily of excel in a 29gal tank. 1 bottle @ $10 should last you several months.
 

Orion

Orion

Ultimate Fish
Moderator
#8
Feb 10, 2003
5,803
3
38
Kentucky
www.thefishcave.net
#8
I'm looking at buying the Catalina Solar T5HO 4x54w for my 75g. Not decided on that, or a DIY LED route yet. Looks to be great T5 lights.

If your wanting to go for a carpet like that I really like you'll end up wanting a pressurized Co2 setup. I think your set on everything else, the light might be a bit of concern for me just as was already said, the depth of the tank. But it might be fine, not tried anything like that in a 29 before.

You can get a regulator, solenoid and needle valve for regular Co2 tanks for under $100 (still have to come up with a Co2 tank). Or, you can get a full setup that runs off of a paintball tank for usually under $70. (including tank. )You would still need a good way to get the gas into the tank, and if it were me with that setup, I would probably get an inline diffuser.

Co2 gas is not necessary, but you will see better results with it.
 

A

Aquazilla

Small Fish
#9
Jul 26, 2011
11
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#9
got all this from GreenLeafAquarium.com
-Choice regulator
-10LB tank
-Atomic diffuser

I said **** it....and just blew the money.

gotta figure out where I can get plants here in hawaii, or mail order...any suggestions?
 

A

Aquazilla

Small Fish
#13
Jul 26, 2011
11
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#13
yeah the rocks are good Pat, thanks for checkin!...

And I found a bag of ADA Amazonia soil for 20$
Gonna slope it up the backside to create some contrast

My co2 equipment is at the post office, ready for my pickup tomo.

UNFORTUNATELY I will be on a training exercise for a week and wont be able to get my tank started untill after that. But Ill keep you all posted!!!
 

A

Aquazilla

Small Fish
#14
Jul 26, 2011
11
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#14
Ive got my Regulator, Co2 cylinder and diffuser from GLA...YES!!!

Gotta get some bubble counter fluid and a check valve..although...
The choice regulator I bought from GLA states...(Brass bubble counter with built in check valve to eliminate entry of moisture into internal components of regulator.)
...do I still need a check valve?

Gotta find me a good plant source here on island or mail order....my setup wont be done untill next week when I get back from a training exercise.

hmm, well if that's the case BigCheese Ill just take one of the bulbs out...we'll see. Ill keep you posted
 

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