tko187

Hi guys i have a rio 180ltr 48g tank which is palnted, when i setup i didnt add any planting substrate under my grave, i have just realised i need this to allow proper growth. I also am looking to buy a co2 kit which is a jbl co2 kit and costs £236.00, the substrate i am looking at is tropica or autocomplete, if you could please look at my tank and advise if it is worth taking these steps. I want to acheive the fully planted look as in carpeted with green moss and grasses. Can i do this without co2

The other question is ive just finished cycling would the fish be ok while i had to add the substrate in a large bucket and would i lose my bacteria. Thanks in advance!

lalynya

I switch out my gravel with eco complete..It may be impossible to switch it out completly. Take out half the gravel you have ONLY HALF!!! and replace it with the plant substrate. You can only replace half at a time because you need the bacteria that has grown on the gravel..which is why it is about impossible to switch it out completly

tko187

i was actually planning on taking everything out and the heater all the plant and rocks, with the gavel into a big bucket laying down the planting substrate then back on with gravel and plants add the fish back. The filter will only be off say for 1 1/2 hours at the most. This is what ive been advised to do anyway, spoke to some aquascape specialists today. What do you think?? Is it doable??

I shall then order the c02 kit and were ready to start planting this baby.

lalynya

DO NOT DO THAT..IT WILL RESTART THE CYCLE..and I know you allready know what a pain that is