I mentioned in an earlier post that, while I haven't had any luck with submerged plants in a brackish tank, I have had some luck with widgeon grass emerging from pots suspended from the side. After several months, I still have two of my four plants struggling along, albeit in Charlie Brown fashion. I had an idea that I'm sure is not original. Here it is: Take a hang-on-back filter (I have an extra), put some emergent plants in it using something like pea gravel as a substrate, and run it that way--no other media. Anybody try that? Any reason it shouldn't work? I'm a little worried about it clogging up, thus the appeal to any experience out there.
Plants in a filter?
Started by
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, Sep 03 2009 09:50 PM
10 replies to this topic
#2
Guest_schambers_*
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Posted 03 September 2009 - 10:48 PM
Sounds like a sump to me! 
#3
Guest_lozgod_*
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Posted 04 September 2009 - 12:03 AM
Like snakes on a plane but different? lol.
Just curious. Is it for visual effect or biological filtration or just to make the plants grow?
What is your current substrate in the aquarium?
Are you using any supplemental items (fertilizer, CO2, etc.)?
What is your current lighting situation in regards to watts per gallon?
Answering these question could find the flaw causing your current set up.
Just curious. Is it for visual effect or biological filtration or just to make the plants grow?
What is your current substrate in the aquarium?
Are you using any supplemental items (fertilizer, CO2, etc.)?
What is your current lighting situation in regards to watts per gallon?
Answering these question could find the flaw causing your current set up.
#4
Guest_Piscator_*
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Posted 04 September 2009 - 01:48 PM
Like snakes on a plane but different? lol.
Just curious. Is it for visual effect or biological filtration or just to make the plants grow?
What is your current substrate in the aquarium?
Are you using any supplemental items (fertilizer, CO2, etc.)?
What is your current lighting situation in regards to watts per gallon?
Answering these question could find the flaw causing your current set up.
Lozgod,
Thanks for the response. Here are the answers in order:
- It's for biological filtration--I want the plants to eat the nitrites and nitrates. Plus, I just like the idea of an ecosystem.
- Current substrate is about an inch and a half of crushed oyster shell.
- No, I don't add any supplements.
- I don't know about watts per gallon; I'd have to get off my lazy butt and do some research for that one. I have a single "Biolux" or some such grow light in the flourescent light fixture in the hood. The light is on a timer and runs from 1200 to 2200. Also, the aquarium is right next to a north-facing window, which I leave open for the plants' benefit.
Whadya think?
#5
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Posted 04 September 2009 - 01:52 PM
Sounds like a sump to me!
Susan,
That was my thought. A little mini-sump, with no extra plumbing; just taking advantage of what the filter engineers already created. Also, since it's out in the open near a window, I don't have to add extra lighting in a cubbyhole below the tank to make it work. I've just about talked myself into trying it. One problem is that my spare filter doesn't have an intake strainer; I'll have to rig something.
#6
Guest_lozgod_*
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Posted 04 September 2009 - 02:27 PM
Lozgod,
Thanks for the response. Here are the answers in order:
- It's for biological filtration--I want the plants to eat the nitrites and nitrates. Plus, I just like the idea of an ecosystem.
- Current substrate is about an inch and a half of crushed oyster shell.
- No, I don't add any supplements.
- I don't know about watts per gallon; I'd have to get off my lazy butt and do some research for that one. I have a single "Biolux" or some such grow light in the flourescent light fixture in the hood. The light is on a timer and runs from 1200 to 2200. Also, the aquarium is right next to a north-facing window, which I leave open for the plants' benefit.
Whadya think?
*disclaimer: I am no expert but have been researching like crazy for my first planted aquarium*
I would start by replacing the substrate. I would go with a sand bed type mixed with untreated top soil (no chemicals). Top soil is already bacterially (is that a word?) active. It has plant nutrients and will help provide more in time from leftover food, fish and plant wastes, etc. From what I am reading 1.5 inches of the sand/top soil blend with about 1 inch top layer of crushed oyster shells should work.
Also I would make sure you have about 2 watts per gallon. Not much more than that because you aren't supplementing the plants needs. More light will equal more demand from the plants for CO2 and nutrients. Not enough will have negative results as well.
Like I said. I am not an expert but I think if you ran this past some people that were they would agree.
Google "low tech planted aquariums". Lots of info you should find helpful.
#7
Guest_schambers_*
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Posted 04 September 2009 - 05:50 PM
Susan,
That was my thought. A little mini-sump, with no extra plumbing; just taking advantage of what the filter engineers already created. Also, since it's out in the open near a window, I don't have to add extra lighting in a cubbyhole below the tank to make it work. I've just about talked myself into trying it. One problem is that my spare filter doesn't have an intake strainer; I'll have to rig something.
It's worth a try! I use sponge filter sponges if I need intake strainers for hang on the back filters. I've been able to find a size to fit all of mine so far.
Another thing you might try is mangroves. I have three seedlings sticking up out of a 29 gallon brackish tank. They've only been there for three months, but so far so good. I know that I need to keep an eye on the roots so they don't bust the tank. I removed some of the glass cover's plastic backstrip and used filter floss to wedge the seedlings in place, also blocking off the hole so fish don't jump out. I got mine at a local fish store, but you can mail order them from various places.
#8
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Posted 04 September 2009 - 08:08 PM
*disclaimer: I am no expert but have been researching like crazy for my first planted aquarium*
I would start by replacing the substrate. I would go with a sand bed type mixed with untreated top soil (no chemicals). Top soil is already bacterially (is that a word?) active. It has plant nutrients and will help provide more in time from leftover food, fish and plant wastes, etc. From what I am reading 1.5 inches of the sand/top soil blend with about 1 inch top layer of crushed oyster shells should work.
Also I would make sure you have about 2 watts per gallon. Not much more than that because you aren't supplementing the plants needs. More light will equal more demand from the plants for CO2 and nutrients. Not enough will have negative results as well.
Like I said. I am not an expert but I think if you ran this past some people that were they would agree.
Google "low tech planted aquariums". Lots of info you should find helpful.
Lozgod,
Thanks for the advice! I will not be able to take it immediately because I can't really tear down my tank with all the critters in it. I may, when it comes time to set up the 30-gallon I've got waiting in the wings, set that one up according to your advice and then transfer the critters over.
#9
Michael Wolfe
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Posted 05 September 2009 - 10:28 PM
I know that I need to keep an eye on the roots so they don't bust the tank.
What does this mean? What is the concern? I have not heard of this. I am concerned because I have three mangroves in a tank of mine. One was bought from a pet store a year or so ago and has grown considerably. The other two were picked up in Florida during a kayaking trip... put them in my tank and they did nothing for eight months... now one of them has started sprouting leaves above the water. What do I need to be watching for?
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. - Benjamin Franklin
#10
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Posted 06 September 2009 - 06:46 PM
It's just that mangroves are trees. They grow really slowly, which is why they are good for aquariums and sumps, but if you don't pay any attention the root system will eventually get so big it can break the tank. It should take pretty nearly forever for that to happen. I assume that the roots can be pruned to keep them in check.
#11
Michael Wolfe
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Posted 07 September 2009 - 08:57 AM
It's just that mangroves are trees. They grow really slowly, which is why they are good for aquariums and sumps, but if you don't pay any attention the root system will eventually get so big it can break the tank. It should take pretty nearly forever for that to happen. I assume that the roots can be pruned to keep them in check.
OK, good, I was afraid you were saying that the roots would attack the glass or something... if you are just talking about really big roots putting pressure on the aquarium side walls, then that should be something that I can monitor and work with.
Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing. - Benjamin Franklin
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