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mmarino · 04-09-2008, 11:25 AM

Hi, new to the forums and looking for advice:

I have a 110g (72"x18"x18") tank that's been up and running for about 10 years. I've recently thrown in the towel after a year long battle with cyanobacteria. I've tried everything - multiple courses of e-mycin, blackouts, nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide - it always comes back with a vengeance. Enough is enough, so I'm planning to tear it down and start over with a planted aquarium.

I currently have undergravel filters and a course gravel bed that all need to come out, so I don't see any alternative to a clean start. I'm in the process of moving my fish (about 40 assorted tetras, 6 gouramis, 6 rosy barbs, 4 corys and 3 plecos and few other survivors) to a temporary 55g set up and then I'm planning to completely clean the tank and filters start from scratch.

Here's where I need some advice on the set up: I was thinking of a substrate of Flourite as the bottom layer and EcoComplete on top, with a small gravel area for visual interest as well. Does anyone have experience with this combination or suggestions for an alternative? Just one or the other? Do I need an under gravel heater? If so, is 100 watts / 30' cable (Hydrokable from Dr's Foster&Smith) enough for my tank?

Also, should I get the plants established before returning the fish or can I add plants after the fish are back home? Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

04-09-2008, 11:25 AM	#1 (permalink)
mmarino Junior Aquascaper Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Madison, CT USA Posts: 12	Substrate advice Hi, new to the forums and looking for advice: I have a 110g (72"x18"x18") tank that's been up and running for about 10 years. I've recently thrown in the towel after a year long battle with cyanobacteria. I've tried everything - multiple courses of e-mycin, blackouts, nitrogen, hydrogen peroxide - it always comes back with a vengeance. Enough is enough, so I'm planning to tear it down and start over with a planted aquarium. I currently have undergravel filters and a course gravel bed that all need to come out, so I don't see any alternative to a clean start. I'm in the process of moving my fish (about 40 assorted tetras, 6 gouramis, 6 rosy barbs, 4 corys and 3 plecos and few other survivors) to a temporary 55g set up and then I'm planning to completely clean the tank and filters start from scratch. Here's where I need some advice on the set up: I was thinking of a substrate of Flourite as the bottom layer and EcoComplete on top, with a small gravel area for visual interest as well. Does anyone have experience with this combination or suggestions for an alternative? Just one or the other? Do I need an under gravel heater? If so, is 100 watts / 30' cable (Hydrokable from Dr's Foster&Smith) enough for my tank? Also, should I get the plants established before returning the fish or can I add plants after the fish are back home? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks, Mike