Aqueon Evolve 8

[raleigh19]

I've decided to convert my saltwater nano tank into planted tank because I like what I see in ADG this past weekend for MARSH meeting. I like the some kind of carpet plant like riccia or dwarf baby tears with some seiryu stone and small driftwood, maybe 5 neon tetra and some CRS with good grade. I have no idea what I'm doing , so any help will be nice.

Do I need stronger light than the stock LED lights from aqueon for the planted tank?
Is the Fluval mini CO2 kit good enough for the tank?
is Fluval stratum goodn enough or should I go with ADA amazonia.

I hope I can start everything in weekend. Thank you guys

[Darbex]

Yes you will need more light than the stock. I put two of the stock lights on mine because it wasn't adequately growing my Rotala. Once I put two on they are growing like weeds.

[raleigh19]

Do you any CO2 in your tank?

[Darbex]

No but I only have Rotala and anubias in that tank.

[raleigh19]

Are you using RO/DI water or just dechlorinated tap water?

[mnemenoi]

Do I need stronger light than the stock LED lights from aqueon for the planted tank?
Agree with Darbex, you'll need stronger lighting (6500K spectrum, with an 8 gallon I'd suggest at least 24 watts for high lighting)
Is the Fluval mini CO2 kit good enough for the tank?
It can be, small tanks are tough with CO2. The equipment is expensive and lesser priced models come with their own assortment of shortcuts, but can be very problematic if you are unfamiliar with what it does to your water parameters. It acts as a mild acid and too much will acidify the tank. Ph monitors can really help, but with such a small tank are expensive and tough to justify. Most use simple reagents in the tank to determine optimum levels.
is Fluval stratum goodn enough or should I go with ADA amazonia.
Either can work, both have advantages and disadvantages. ADA Amazonia is a terrific PH altering substrate, but takes awhile (month or two) to settle down as it spikes ammonia when first used. Stratum does not spike nearly so bad, but its effectiveness long term is comprimised as a result. Both can only take in so much mineral content before they effectively lose this buffering capacity. Many use RO, buffered up a bit (Salty Shrimp Supplement or the like) to achieve the results they wish. The higher the grade of the shrimp the more exact the water parameters must be.

[raleigh19]

So is it like saltwater tank? The smaller it gets the harder to maintain the parameter? I'm still think about it if I should go with this route or buy bigger tank to start off, so it won't give me too much headache.

[mnemenoi]

To some degree, yes. Larger tanks are a bit easier, but the equipment will cost the same either way. CO2 tanks, regulator, needle valve, bubblecounter, diffusor, solenoid, PH monitor are what I would recommend for ease of use if you are new to planted tanks. Carpeting plants usually require high lighting and are notoriously difficult to prune/manage in that state. Dutch stle tanks are far easier, but lack the minimalist appeal nature style has. There are quite a few folks here on the forum that have managed smaller nanos with CO2, hopefully they'll chime in.

[raleigh19]

Where can I buy the tong and standard equipment here in Houston?

[Darbex]

Aqueon Evolve 8

Nah my planted is super easy. I got 5 cardinals, rummys, and embers with a dwarf pleco and a ram. I haven't done a water change almost since I started it. I just top it off with tap water every time it starts making too much noise from the overflow. I just squirt some of the dechlorinator they give with it and that's it.

[raleigh19]

Any other LFS sell ADA amazonia besides ADG?

[mnemenoi]

City Pets sell Amazonia

[Darbex]

+1 CP and at a great price.