Guido wrote:
George Pontis wrote:
There is no one right answer to how much. If you are not going to grow
plants then you have many options for gravel and I think 25lb will
give you adequate coverage, maybe more like 1". The bags sometimes
have coverage information.
If you intend to grow plants then you need to do some research on
exactly what you want to use for substrate, but it probably won't be
the large, epoxy coated pebbles. Possibly sand, flourite, or other
non-conventional materials. You would also be aiming for that 2" depth
or a bit more.
I was planning on sticking with artificial plants this time around,
since I'm re-learning how to take care of an aquarium since it was so
long ago. So, that's good news, thanks for the info!
As a person incapable of even jarring a betta without some java moss, I
have to ask you to reconsider running a plantless tank. Plants
dramatically increase the water quality and there are plenty that will
grow under lower lighting conditions. I'd suggest setting up your tank
with 2" of fine natural gravel. It's not much harder to vacuum and that
way if you want to put a plant here and there, you can add a fertilizer
tablet at the roots and you will have enough gravel for the plant to grow.
All these power filters provide enough surface agitation that a
bubbler is not needed. But the AquaClear 200, is that rated for only
20 gallons ? If so you you had better keep stocking to a minimum.
Alternatively, you could consider one of the models with a wet-dry
section. Marineland makes ones with a biowheel that are a good bet.
You had me concerned there, for a sec, but I just double-checked on
Google and this site, as well as a bunch of others, says that it's max
capacity is 50 Gal http://www.aquariumproducts.com.au/prod128.htm I
think I'm interpreting that right, maybe you could explain, if I'm
wrong. Again, thanks for the help!
An aquaclear 200 is the right size, but George makes a good point about
bio wheels. If you don't have many plants, a filter with a wet/dry
section like a bio wheel breaks down dissolved organics and keeps the
water quality much higher.
--
__ Elaine T __
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