Eco-Complete

[MacAtk]

I have a few questions regarding adding Eco-Complete to my tank. Should I add all the water contents that comes with the substrate? Should a water change be done after adding the substrate? Should I change my filter pads in my canister after adding Eco-Complete?

How many plants should I place into a 36 gallon tank to start with? I want a heavy planted tank, but only have low-light with no CO2. I realize it will probably be a long wait for the plants to get any size.

These are questions that have concerned me regarding this setup, any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Mark

[Totenkampf]

i just added two bags to my 75 and added the water since it is supposed to be 'live'. its isnt dirty and hardy clouded the water so i didnt do a WC.

i dont think that you can add too many plants as long as they arent shading each other out. they will compete for nutrients but with low light that may not be an issue. to get an idea go to azgardens.com and look at their 40 gallon tank plant packs, they have quite a few plants.

on the plus side the more plants that you have the less likely that there will be excess nutrients for algae

[MacAtk]

I was wanting to add the plants this weekend and wondering if Fish gallery or any other local shop would be a good choice?

[eklikewhoa]

Fish Gallery has a large selection of plants and nearby you have fish ranch and city pets

[Churty]

put in all the eco-complete, you can't really put in too many plants as long as they get enough light to stay aliveand grow. you can also use flourish tabs or somthing simalar to help them grow. what kind of plants do you want to put in it.

[Totenkampf]

fish gallery does have a wide selection, as does HAW. there are some good quality stores around. go to the articles section and theres a map of local stores. out our way there isnt much, fish r us has low stock.

[MacAtk]

put in all the eco-complete, you can't really put in too many plants as long as they get enough light to stay aliveand grow. you can also use flourish tabs or somthing simalar to help them grow. what kind of plants do you want to put in it.

I am overwhelmed with all the choices, but would like to have a ground covering plant, taller ones for the background, ect. Hopefully someone will help me get started once I get to the LFS. I am using a Zoo-Med fixture with 2-24 watt T8 bulbs 6,500k and 5,000k in a 36 gallon bowfront. I would like to add color other than just green, but understand that may not be possible.

[Totenkampf]

crypts come in nice browns for some contrast. some reddish swords are also available for low light and dont forget that i nice contrast can be made between deep green plants like anubias and java fern with some of the pale green stem plants. there are some nice colored hygrophilia species that might do okay in that light, a good LFS can definately set you up with an overall scheme rather than just buying willy-nilly. differing textures can be as cool as color too

[photogdude]

open bag, empty contents. it's that easy. also if your going with heavy root feeders, make sure you use some type of root fertilizer.