29gal bowfront.

[paranoid1123]

My wife & I want to convert our 29 gal bowfront into a planted tank. what should be the first step.

- new quality substrait (if so what brand?)
- new lighting (what is the best kind for the money?)
- co2

The dimentions of the tank are LxWxH 24x12x19 with a bow of 15" i don't know if that makes a diffrence but i thought i would put it out there

I'm looking to put this together slowly. I'm not looking to buy the dirt cheep stuff but I don't want to buy the most expensive stuff just becouse it cost more (why pay $100 when the $75 is just as good).

we want it to look like this

[Roujin]

If this is what you want to achieve then you'll have to go with CO2 and high light. 29 gallons is the limit of DIY CO2 so you'll have to go preassurized. 24" light fixtures, you'll have to go dual PC to get enough WPG (watts per gallon.) Something like this http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...onglowledlamps but with 6700k instead of an actinic bulb.

For substrate a lot of people including myself use ADA aquasoil. They come in different grades. Typically a course type is used for the majority then capped of by "powder" type.

Keep in mind to get to that picture will still take some time.

[paranoid1123]

ok what is PC
Also should i replace the gravel i have in there now or just cover it i still want to keep some fish so i really don't wnt to have to re-cycle my tank w new soil.

[Roujin]

Sorry. PC = Power Compact Fluorescent. For the gravel it really depends on what type it is but you'll have to remove some of it, also ADA Aquasoil will produce an Ammonia spike in the beginning so your fish will still be at risk. What type are they?

[paranoid1123]

As of right now i have 2 EBJD's 1 flying fox algae eater, 1 Chinese Algae Eater. ( thought i bought 2 flying foxes). my Ebjd's are only at 2 1/2''.

[Roujin]

Large cichlids tend to dig up plants and the Chinese Algae Eater will get aggressive once they get bigger. Small schooling fish or dwarf cichlids are better suited to a planted tank.