I just got a new 4'x2'x2' tank. I need some feedbacks with regard to substrate setup as I have limited experience on the setting up a 120gal tank.Currently just thought of setting a layer of Azoo Basic Subtrate Fert and top up with 2-3" of 2mm gravel. I have no idea how to setup layers of substrate with mixture of different fert.My tank will consists mostly small to medium plants.Any tips and guidelines for a good setup??
Anyone tried using fert sourced from nursery or other cost effective alternative??

Really appreciate your comments and many thanks in advance.

Hi there,
Am new to this forum...thought I can contribute.
You should have about 1cm of base fert in place...there's no hard and fast rule of how much you need to put in so I'm just estimating. Normally the base fert should last you about 2 yrs with the occasional supplement of gravel ferts. You would need a minimum of 3" of gravel as certain plants' root system requires a deep gravel to hold. Your gravel size may still be too large. Try getting 1mm size ones.
All you need to do is lay the gravel on top of the base fert..that's all.
Certain fert from the nurseries may not be suitable for aquarium use due to the difference in the composition of the nutrients. Who knows what other chemical are added. Stick to those by aquatic manufacturers. Of course different brands come with different quality and pricing.

I hope this answers your questions.

Did you managed to setup your tank yet ?


How much & where did you buy the Azoo Subtrate and gravel for ?


Stan

Hi Stan,

For your info, I have yet to complete my big tank(4 months already..aiyo )
Months of trial and tribulation due to bad planning and lack of practical experience not to mention tons of modification as I ve adopted wet-dry filter system. It tooks me weeks to design and build the lightings system alone . Fortunately, now near 80% completion...currently in filteration test stage later will start cycling process.Is anyone out there utilizing wet dry system for planted tank??


Concerning the base fert, I have compiled a list for you :-

Azoo - Condensed color Basic Fert. 100g/pack- RM20.90
(Claimed that 2 packs enough for a 2'x4' tank wor!!!)
Source::BB18 (Ampang), U Yie Aqua (Pandan Jaya)
East Aqua sold for RM30++

Sera flora - 5Kg / RM56.00
Source: East Aqua(Tmn Maluri)

Hexa Root Grow-5kg / RM46.00
Source: 88Marine / Irene Aqua (PJ)

JBL Fert - 1kg /RM8 (packed in bags but sold by weight)
Source:Pasar Road (email me for further details)

DIY : Laterite (land clearing site):Free
Peat moss : RM7
Jobe's fert stick : RM12

Gravel : 2-3mm / 25kg:RM35
Source: Hua May Landscaping :Old klang road
Garden World: Sungai Buloh (18kg: RM28 )

If u need anything else, feel free to contact me!!
By the way Stan, what's your current tank specs??


Ok Im done!Thanx

Robby

Robby,

Thanks for all the compiled info... you surely shop all over klang valley for the best prices...from KL to PJ to Sg. Buloh...

I used to have a small 2' by 1' planted tank without base fert in Singapore and manage to grow some plants quite well... now planning to get a 4' by 2' tank when I moved into my new place...

Have no tanks yet...but start shopping early and compiling prices and info first......

I think would need around 2" high of base fert and maybe 1" high of gravel...

How's your setting like ?

How thick of base fert and how thick of gravel ?

Estimate how many bags of base fert do you need to fill up to 2" high ?
Must need a lot of bags rights ?



Stan

Frankly speaking, Im alot better at bargain hunting than setting up a tank...So far the best deal I have struck is the tank!! 4ftx2ftx2ft,
10mm thick glass c/w ramin wood cabinet for only RM600!!

I ve planned to go with 3" front terrace up to maybe 5-6" at the back.
Substrate layers consist of 2-3" base fert at the bottom followed by a thin layer of peat moss and top off with 1-2" plain gravel.
However as I have yet to setup the base hence Im not sure whether 4 bags of gravel will be adequate for my layout.(Im currently waiting for my Nature Aq World Vol1 book to arrive before begin aquascaping!)
From my point of view, recommended would be at least 3 bags(75kg) for 4ft tank.

What specs do you intend to setup...pressurised C02 system? Filter? Lighting PL/FL etc?
Let me know if you need a hand on searching for particular item or whatever !Btw, where about are you anyway?
ok seeya

Robby

Robby,

I'm located in PJ..moving to my new place in Mont Kiara..
Where are you located ?

I plan to setup a 4X2X2 tank. Condo not much space left or else I would setup a bigger tank

I've an existing Ehiem 2222 filter ( I dun think this is enuf for 4x2x2... but use it first la and buy another filter later..)
CO2 probably goes with DIY first... later upgrade to pressurised tank

Need to start with low budget first.... upgrade later...

Where is a good place for a nice 4' tank ?

I would need to look for things like lights... I think I need like 3W/gal..
For a 4X2x2, what would the total volume of water in gallons ?

Is 4 tubes of FL enough for the 4' setup ?

For the books... you can find most of Amano's books at Kino bookstore in KLCC... all wrap up nicely..



Stan

>Where are you located ?
Im in Sri Petaling !!Wah Condo ar..I have trouble carrying the tank even from the outside to the dining hall lar!!

>I plan to setup a 4X2X2 tank. Condo not much space left or else I would setup a bigger tank
I would definitely go for 6-8ft if cost was not an issue!!

>I've an existing Ehiem 2222 filter ( I dun think this is enuf for 4x2x2... but use it first la and buy another filter later..)
>CO2 probably goes with DIY first... later upgrade to pressurised tank
If u plan to buy Eheim filter, do let me know.. Chinese filters like Atman are also "boleh tahan" !
What's your budget for CO2 system, I maybe able to find a few suppliers who might give u a good price but still cost you around RM300+ depends on the tank capacity..take note that smaller the tank cost more
e.g. 3kg cost RM290 while a 10kg tank (Aluminium) cost only RM400.
It'll definitely saves u alot of trouble if u adopt pressurised system as it's a one time investment..(if budget ok)!!

>Need to start with low budget first.... upgrade later...
My initial budget was less than $2K for a 4ft tank which is almost imposibble if you are goin for some "hi-tech" setup.
Here's a quotation from a LFS :
Tank 2x1.5x.15ft(8mm) = RM650
Cabinet : RM350
Filter: Eheim 2235 = RM370
CO2system: 3.2kg+Reg =RM440
Lighting:CF=RM740
Base Fert =RM150
Gravel (75kg, Holland) = RM165
etc..etc altogether =RM3K

After alot of surveying/homeworks,
I have finally cut my cost down to these:-
Tank 4x2x2ft c/w Cabinet=RM600
Filter Wetdry system=RM280
DIY FL Lighting 400W= T4 & T8 =RM130
CO2 system : RM550
Gravel (90kg, Local) : RM130
Base Fert : RM92
etc total= RM1800+


>Where is a good place for a nice 4' tank ?
I bought mine in OUG..but it's the last time i'll ever visit that shop!!
Fyi, a 4x2x2ft (10mm) custom made tank will cost you around RM480 excluding cabinet.
Standard selling price for a 4ft tank +solid wood cabinet is RM1200-1400

>I would need to look for things like lights... I think I need like 3W/gal..
>For a 4X2x2, what would the total volume of water in gallons ?
4x2x2 is 120gall. 2-2.5w/gall for small/medium and 3-3.5w/gall for medium/large plants setup (depends on plants ratio).

>Is 4 tubes of FL enough for the 4' setup ?
It's not how many tubes..it's the watts that count..in your case regular 4x36W FL = 144w is barely adequate.
Keep in mind a 4ft FL lamp will be very tight fit if you have a hood installed.

U'll need atleast 400W for your tank (light intensity will reduce after few months run.)Majority recommended 18-21" max height of a tank cos u'll need more lights for 22" above.

>For the books... you can find most of Amano's books at Kino bookstore in KLCC... all wrap up nicely..
Thanks for the tips, but I think Amano's books are bit expensive in Malaysia.I ve already bought Amano Vol3 and recently just got Vol.1 for RM112 online and it's still way cheaper than Malaysia which cost around RM180+. Thanks anyway...

Anybody out there care to add some comments/ideas.. !!
ok seeya

Robby

Your 4x2x2 tank, is it rounded surface in the front ?


Saw a 4x1.5x1.5 ( 60 gal ) for RM320,Cabinet RM360

Nop... front surface is flat !!! I find that front with convex surface
shows distorted perspective from certain angle!!But it does gives the tank an added dimension!

A tank+cabinet for only RM680..pretty good deal!!!
If you can afford a little more..go for custom made tank..
something around 60"- 48".... x24"x20"(H) with 10mm...excellent!!!

By the way Stan, where do u plan to get your source for plants??Im in a dilemma here searching for certain plants(X-moss & glosso).Im very lazy to go the distance, but my only reliable source ran out of stocks ..so far ordered Riccia...Java fern..Red Tiger Lotus....and few others!!
(I know 88 got some, but bit high on the price !!)
I need to find a place for one stop value buy shop!hehehehe
ok thanks

Robby