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TANK
i have a tank that is 48" (long)X 18"(wide)x24" (deep) = 90 gallons
base foot print 48"x18"=864 square inches
LIGHT
i have sofar bought a Compact Fluorescent 4x65watt (6700 k)total 260 watts
see below
http://www.esuweb.com/new_site/ccc_53116
i am hopeing that that is enought light.( 260watts / 90 = 2.88 watt per
gal)
SUBSTRATE

2x7kg (15.4 ibs) flourite= 14 kgs (30.8 lbs)
coverage recommended is 1kg (2lbs)per 31"sq
therfore 864/31=28 kg i have about half recommended amount
http://www.seachem.com/seachemframeset.html

also i have
3x5.4kg(12lbs) flora base=16.2kg they also recommed 2" deep
(and should ont be rinsed????)
http://www.redseafish.com/Product.as...D=33&proID=115

ok now my questions
i think my lighting is ok i have not considered plants yet i will make
then match to light

florabase recommendes a ugf should i add??
UGF, No... just add powerheads for circulation, planted tanks don't work
with UGFs, there's lots of info on that in here, you can google to find
them...

should flora base go ontop or under flourite???
Most people mix, flourite and gravel, or flora or laterite, whatever... some
do layer, but it'll all end up mixed anyway.... Rinsing? yes, some, but
don't go all out trying to get it clean... I say, rinse one time, and put in
tank, then siphon off the crudd and skim the surface, it'll all settle down
in a day or two...

i was thinking of sloping gravel from back (high) to front (low)??
You can do that, it's your tank, there is no right or wrong way... alot will
play out as you go.... when you plant, you'll get the idea and go with it..

other filter will be hagen canister 304
and maybe one other if i can get one at vancouver aquatic hobbyist club
sale
for cheap
http://www.fishopolis.com/vahc/auction2003.html
Cool...

should i also add under gravel heater???
Not necessary... a regular heater, one in each corner will do fine... I
would put a 150-250watter in each corner....

i would much like to here your thoughts
thanks les

Good luck... seems that you've started well...