Hello all, I have been asked to setup a planted tank on a commercial bases. Again like others it is 48l x 12w x 18t. Depth is an issue apparently. But my thoughts are that I want to keep this very simple. I can only spend 1 hour a week with it to maintain the tank after the initial setup. I will hopefully run EI fert base and ask one of the staff to do the dailey dosing. Not my favorite idea though. What I intend to do here is setup 12 film containers premixed with dry ferts and have them tagged Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Alternately I will also have 2 or 3 syringes preloaded with Trace Element in liquid at 10ml per syringe marked Tuesday, and Thursday. My delema is what would some of you suggest as a plant layout that would look appealing but is relatively easy to maintain. I dont really want crazy growth and have to trim considerable amounts. Any ideas would be greatfull as I know there are several people doing commercial tanks. Dont forget the client wants only a 1 hour visit per week. On the other hand maybe I shoulnt even bother....but he is a friend.
Go for a low light, bottom ferts only, slow grow, no CO2 tank. Lots of moss, anubias, crypts and ferns. Just fill with roots and some moss-rocks and dont save any space for algae... Easy to do, easy to hold, nice to watch.
I agree. With the short depth from front to back, I think you maybe want to either try a set of low light plants as suggested above. This way you won't need to have that much maintenance (both trimming and fertilizing). The other option is to go with a Iwagumi layout with HC. HC grows slow enough where there won't be any major trimming. Maybe once a month you can go in and make any necessary adjustments. This layout will make that 12 inch depth larger then it is. Just be sure to get a nice set of rocks, and create good slopes to set the stage for the scape. Also, fish selection is important especially in a commercial/public area. I think a large school of fish is very attractive to guests. -John N.
Gents, Thank you very much for your input. I think you both make very good points. It just so happens that I have loads of Java Ferns in 2 types, Anubias in 3 species and Java Moss in 3 species. (Tearing down an old established 40 gallon for repairs.)Hardscape is done as of today. Just need to polish the water as I used Seachems Florite Black Sand as a topsoil and it leaves a very milky residue, even after extensive washing...Will see tomorrow how that comes clean with the diatom filter running overnight. Cheers..
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