Setting up a 75 g planted aquarium

[ashmere8987]

Hello all,
I recently acquired a 75 gallon tank from a friend including 2 biowheel filters, a single fluorescent light and a heater. All seem to work well. He had cichlids in the tank, but they've been given to a friend with a large cichlid tank. I'd love to learn more about planted aquariums and would love to start one with some smaller, pretty looking fish. As a result, I have many questions and would love some recommendations.

1. What kind of filtering system do I need for a planted 75 g tank?
2. Lighting requirements/recommendations?
3. Fish suggestions?
4. Driftwood suggestions- can I cure a piece myself or do I need to get something pre-cured?

Overall, I'd like to start with good, basic equipment and easy/easier to care for fish and plants. I am new to this, but am interested in learning and putting in the time to set up a tank. I have a degree in chemistry, so I understand how things work and am not afraid to troubleshoot and try to problem solve as time goes on, but need some suggestions from those more experienced than me!

Thanks for reading this- any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Laura

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=1651702

 

[msjinkzd]

1. What kind of filtering system do I need for a planted 75 g tank? If you are going low light, low tech, you can use the ones you have. If further down the line you decide to do high tech with co2 injection and fertilization, you might consider canister filters so that the filters do not gas off your co2
2. Lighting requirements/recommendations?I usually shoot for about 2 watts of light per gallon. You can keep a wide range of plants this way and have the optoin of co2 or ferts, not always a necessity.
3. Fish suggestions?What do you like?
4. Driftwood suggestions- can I cure a piece myself or do I need to get something pre-cured?You can boil, cure a piece yourself. Just make sure its a seasoned piece of hardwood

Comments above

 

[duke33]

^She's got it covered.

 

[shawnhu]

My understanding of a 75G tank is that it's very deep, but the same length and height as a 55. As with many things, starting with what you have is probably best, since it involves no additional investment, and you can try and learn from the full spectrum, low light, low tech, and work your way up. For the most part, you can upgrade and change components as you go, but what'll make your life easier is to decide on what type of fish you want, and the type of substrate from the get-go.

My personal favorite for a tank that size would be for Discus. They're pretty tough to keep, but would look awesome in that tank.

For planted tanks, you should consider algae eaters such as SAE, Otos, shrimp, and snails. Then I would look at what fish would do well with the algae eaters, and work from there. That'll keep your tank algae free.

Congrats on the aquisiton and Welcome to AC!

 

[ashmere8987]

Thanks for the reply! I've just recently found a home for the cichlids that we inherited with the tank, and have purchased a canister filter. Substrate is ecocomplete, and the tank was filled with water last week. Tested water today and my ammonia was high and pH was high as well, so will wait a few days and test it again. I'm looking forward to getting some fish and plants in it soon!
I'll post soon with what goes in it, but as far as fish go, I'm thinking the following:
rummynose tetras
honey gouramis
red cherry shrimp
maybe 2 angelfish or discus? maybe too difficult for a beginner?
bolivan ram
rasbora
any other suggestions?
Thanks!
Laura

 

[angelfishlover]

Woah careful with the angelfish/discus and the shrimp/rummynose as they sometimes will snack on those as a treat .Angelfish try to get when your tank is around 2-3 months old.Discus i woul reccommend around 3 months and above with good stable functional tank.

 

[ashmere8987]

Thanks- that's good to know. There's a local tank in a library that my kids love that has that combination of fish in it. Any other suggestions for a larger size "centerpiece" type of fish for the tank?