Planted tank + parasites?

Two questions:





1. I'm setting up a planted 55g tank. I'm new to planted tanks, so I just want some advice. My substrate will be 2 inches of flourite and 1+ inches of sand. I plan on getting some hardy plants, like anacharis, java fern, amazon sword, java moss, etc. I also want some floating plants. Can anyone suggest more good, hardy plants for a beginner? Also, will I absolutely need a CO2 injector? And is it possible for any plants to get by with the lighting that came with the tank, or will I aboslutely need more wattage?





2.) For over two months now, I've noticed some of the fish in my 20g community tank flashing (scratching themselves on the bottom). I've never seen any signs of any external parasites, but I've treated the tank with three rounds of Jungle Parasite Clear. Some fish are still flashing occasionally. I did leave my filter on during the treatment, because I don't know how to remove the carbon. Should I turn off the filter next time, and for how long?

Planted tank + parasites?
Okay I think i can help you here.





1) With hardy plants like Java moss and Java fern, you really didnt need flourite. Although it wont do any harm, it will promote growth. Normal gravel will do fine and the natural look gravel (tannish kind) looks alot better than the red flourite. Anywho, If your looking for low maitence and low lighting, look for the bigger taller plants - Especially in a deep tank like a 55 gallon.The standard 55gallon tank comes with 2x15W bulbs. Thats 1.8 Watts Per Gallon. Your going to need more sufficent lighting. Id go for 3 watts per gallon for a 55. Main thing i hate about kits is that it comes with the pin flourescent fixture. Screw ins (Incandescent hood) are (well id say) better than the pin flourscent. With 4 screw in fixtures, you can put in flourscent bulbs. Actually, walmart sells incandescent hoods (mine does) for a 55 gallon tank. Just buy two of them. Then all you need is 4 40W screw in flourscent. 55 gallons is alot of lighting and wattage and id rethink planting but if you still want to do it, Read on. Moneywort and cambomba are pritty good plants. Also try Bacopa monneri, Egeria. Heres a link with some Foreground, Midground and background plants to look at as a guide . http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/categ... The higher and bigger the plant, the easier it is to light them because the light wont have to travel so far. CO2 isnt needed if you have the right amount of fish in the tank. If you have 5-6 guppies in a 55 gallon tank, then thats not really providing enough carbon dioxide to the plants in a 55g. Use your judgement. Depending on weather your fish are going to be big or not, or how many fish, that all varys in the role of CO2. If you wont have any fish you definatly need CO2.





2) The Jungle Clear isnt doing any good if the carbon is in the tank. The carbon will absorb any sort of medications in the tank. What kind of filter do you have? If its a Hang on Back or internal filter, ususally its inside the filter lace. You will have to open the lace and take out the carbon. Theres sometimes a pin on the top, You pull the clip thing off and it opens the filter lace. Never turn off the filter. Ive had fish in my 55 gallon with Ich. They were scratching themselves agenst my gravel and my decor but i didnt see any Ich spots on them. What i did was turn my temp up to 80-81F, Add some Aquarium salt, and the ich dissapears. Its possible its Ich (most likely) but hasnt developed visibly to the naked eye yet. Good luck! Phew that was alot of writing hehe!
Reply:1) Not all plants need a CO2 injection Here is a good website.


http://azgardens.com/habitats_easy.php





2) I have never removed my carbon while im doing treatments for parasites. It really doesnt matter.
Reply:Just a correction on the post above me. 2 15 watt bulbs is 30 watts. Thats 1.8 GALLONS per watt. Or what your looking for, 0.54 WATTS per gallon. You will need much stronger lighting that whats included for most plants.