Looking for lighting, filter, and substrate recommendations

[JLudwig]

Hi everyone... it was nice meeting some old friends at the last meeting.

I managed to pick up a used 75G and stand for a fair price, was going to set this up in the basement as a farm tank. Since i've been out of the hobby for a while, I thought I would post my plans for comment. Any suggestions most welcome.

For a filter, I was going to use an Eheim classic: Eheim Canister Filter Classic Plus - 2215 - up to 93 Gallon. This is about 1/3 the price of the Pro III. I'm curious if the higher end model is worth the extra money.

For lighting, I saw Catalina recommeded here, I was going to spring for the 48 inch SILVER SOLAR T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT FIXTURE - 4x54 - WITH SPLASHGUARD with the leg kit. Anyone have any experience hanging these from the ceiling instead of using the legs? I assume that the 48" light with legs should fit nicely on the 75?

Finally, I'm still undecided on substrate. It looks like I would need about 18 bags of aquasoil, which is ~$305 with shipping from a vendor I found. Is anyone local to Vienna carrying this product or have a better deal? Since the tank will be closer to a farm tank than a aquascape, I'm also considering just using either 00 blasting grit or mineralized soil capped with 00 blasting grit.

BTW, the tank has a crack in the bottom plastic trim and bottom center brace, but it still feels pretty solid (nothing is loose). I think it should be okay, any thoughts?

Cheers,
Jeff

[Ben Belton]

Welcome back

If Jeff's coming back, I better get my tank going again.

[ddavila06]

im very happy with my catalina lights, if you will concider hanging tell them and they will add the hanging piece, i didn't know that and is too late for me welcome back btw!!

[Aaron]

The Eheim 2215 is way underpowered for a 75 gallon tank. I use a 2215 on a 30 gallon breeder farm tank and it's barely enough flow. I would go with at least an Eheim Pro II 2026 and even then you'll want a powerhead for extra water circulation. The Rena XP3 is another good choice.

Make sure you call Catalina and tell them you are with the Washington D.C. club. They'll give you a much better price than on their website. Their lights are quite nice, second only to the much more expensive TEK lights if you go T5HO.

You should only need five 9 liter bags of Amazonia if you go with that substrate.

[Ltrepeter2000]

I concur with Aaron on the filters. I have both and the 2215 just doesnt cut it. I am using the same light over my 75 aquascape and no problems so far.

[DonkeyFish]

I have a Rena XP3 on the 55 and love it. Awesome to disconnect and clean, no mess. If you get a Rena and need a heater spring for the Rena "Smart Heater", doubles as the intake and of the two I have they are both dead accurate. Love that they are plastic and not glass too. Of course for a farm tank might not be worth it. Just my 2cents!

I wouldn't go calling myself an engineer or anything, but the cracked brace and frame *on the bottom* would make me nervous. You can pick up replacement frames cheap. I'd think it would be worth it, even if just for peace of mind. IIRC That Pet Place has some sizes in stock, at least they did last summer when we stopped on the way home from FryBabies.

HTH!

[Ltrepeter2000]

Substrate wise I would recommend either using the Amazonia without the power sand or make yourself a batch of the Mineralized Soil Substrate (see Articles link on GWAPA's front page)

http://gwapa.org/wordpress/articles/min ... substrate/

Thanks
Rob

[PaulS]

Compared to the other more experienced members, I'm no expert but this is my recommendations based on my personal experience:

Lighting:
I have the Catalina 48" 6 x 54w on my 90. For a 75, 4 lights is plenty. Except for of a 1 hour "noon burst", I don't run all 6 bulbs at the same time. I do a 2 - 4 - 6 - 4 -2 pattern. I have it suspended from my ceiling(very easy to do). I keep my tank uncovered and I do not have the splash guard. So, far, I'm happy with the fixture. Catalina is a very good value compared to the Tek fixtures.

Filters:
I have two Eheim Pro II 2026 filters and I like them a lot. I did experience a leak with one of them once - which made a huge mess - when a part in the hose connect developed a hair line crack. However, their support was good and they knew exactly what part needed replacement. They are a little pricey but excellent filters and, IMO, worth the money.

Substrates:
I've used Eco Complete and Flourite Black Sand in my tanks. Both are excellent and have worked very well for me. I like the Black Sand a little better because it has a smoother, finer grain that holds plants well. The Eco complete is much more coarse. I have no experience with Amazonia but I understand their is a "startup period" for the first several weeks where it impacts the PH, not to mention it's very expensive. I've heard great things about the mineralized soil but you have to be willing to prepare it. So, if you are like me and don't want to deal with those issues, I would recommend either straight the Flourite Black Sand or Flourite Black Sand mixed with regular Flourite Black. Eco Complete is also an excellent option.

This is just my opinion... I'm sure others may disagree.

[JLudwig]

Wow, time flies. Finally got a breather over the holiday and some time to think about working on the tank I bought about a year ago.

Tank is repaired (replaced cracked trim), lights on order from Catalina, going to go for an XP3 or equivalent. Which leaves substrate...

I realize I just missed a group order. Is the ADG shop the best (or only) place for ordering AquaSoil in the US? 5 9L bags should do it?

Hope to have everything running before the January meeting. Also going to try to bring a friend who owns and operates a nursery in Chester County, PA, will keep you posted. He's an expert on greenhouse construction for those that may be interested.

Jeff

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

He's alive!
GWAPA purchased several bags of ADA Amazonia for sale to members at cost. If that's all you're looking to buy - you can essentially still take advantage of the group buy.