Ribber

I've seen that PAR chart for the Fluval led. I can't help but think it's a little useless with readings only taken at a 6" depth. Or is there some math that allows you to translate it to a 20" depth? After searching in vain for numbers to crunch, I wound up basing my decision on user reviews and long term expenses.

Just a quick update... Santa (also known as The Wife) was wonderful to me this year and has filled quite a few holes in my build. Fluval FX6 - check! 48" Fluval Plant and Marine LED - check! another 48" Fluval Plant and Marine LED - check! 2 Hydor Koralia powerheads - check! There was also a 300w heater in there but reviews on it weren't the greatest. It was a free bonus, so no $ wasted. Will be looking at a couple 200w rather than a single 300w. Parts piled up a lot faster than I was expecting, so I'm really getting excited about this now! Flourite and Flourite Sand as substrate will allow me to play a little more and not make a mess like I would with soil, so that's the final word for substrate I think. LIES I tell you... LIES!! Dirt looks intimidating but I'm warming to it. Will be listening to the advice offered here and starting a little low-tech (no co2 or ferts right off the bat) with some good starter plants then stepping it up to high-tech in a few months. Powerheads are small, but will work for co2 dispersal later and fixing dead zones, though I'm not expecting any with that FX6 blasting away! So yeah, that's about it for now.

Thank you all, for the words of advice, encouragement, and warning. I am now in the process of researching the shiny new things mentioned in the thread. I'll be back in a few days

Sorry for the confusion jvision, I mean to place the co2 bubbles into the stream of water entering the tank from the filter, letting the flow carry it across the tank rather than placing it at the intake and having that mist of bubbles get sucked into the filter right away. Going to search out some of the DIY you allude to, I love "fixing" brand new products!

flyfisher, I had initially considered 2 smaller canisters (and those Eheims do look sharp!) but really became sold on the FX6, especially for the drain spout. It has adjustable dual output so I'm thinking I can get good control over the flow direction with it. Appreciate an alternate suggestion, but the Fluval is still winning

Ah yes, heater is still being researched, not forgotten. I'll add a blank entry to my list to prevent further confusion The glosso looks nice, certainly adding that to my list!

I've been doing plenty of reading lately and, for the most part, think I am on the right track. Going to share my plan as it stands right now, maybe the good folks here can tell me where I'm going wrong. Nothing but the tank is written in stone. The tank: It's 90 gallons. It is currently the only thing "fishy" I own. Filtration: Fluval FX6. Discussed in another thread, this one is certainly a winner. I like the features and would be hard pressed to consider another, but I am open. Co2 delivery: DIY contraption running off of paintball canisters, thinking I may need a couple diffusers spaced about the tank, or maybe placing a single one below the filter in-flow will get the co2 caught in the current and distribute it nicely across the tank... Light: Fluval Aqualife & Plant Full Spectrum Performance LED Strip Light, 46W - is 2 of those units too much light? Substrate: Not overly concerned with color as I intend on carpeting the bottom of the tank. I've seen plenty of good results without going ADA, so I've been looking at Flourite and EcoComplete. Heater: Research in progress, reading reviews. Plants: Something low and leafy (dwarf baby tears?) carpeting the front, definitely don't want a grassy carpet, and then all the rest of the fun plants filling in the mid and back. Habitants: Bamboo shrimp, another variety of shrimp, possibly a third. A couple schools of small fish, one will definitely be 20-30 (I don't think that's unreasonable for a large tank?) neon tetras. So yeah, that's my shopping list so far. How am I doing?

Indeed, doing this correctly is my top priority. The next couple months will be spent collecting parts, with the filter being next on my list. I am trying to put together a thread with my "plan", maybe you will stumble upon it and offer up some experienced advice.

Thanks everyone, looks like the FX6 is a winner! Didn't realize you could adjust the flow, good to know PistolPete! Pics will happen ckmullen, to satisfy your vicarious needs

I am building a 90 gallon planted tank with the intention of adding critters in the future. I like certain features of the Fluval FX6 but looking at the numbers, that is far more filter than would be required by my tank. Is moving that much water through a planted tank bad for the plants? Should I turn my sights to a unit more appropriately rated for my tank or will I be quite happy with this amazing filter and never be affected by the fact that there's some overkill in my system?

Howdy folks... Eager to get my first tank underway. Going to be planted, 90 gallons, spare no expense on light and filtration, concentrating more on the aquascaping aspect but will certainly get some critters in there... especially shrimp. The tank and stand get delivered tomorrow and then I get to spend the next couple months accumulating things to make it all work. Brace yourself for my newbie questions, but know that I will appreciate every scrap of knowledge you toss my way