ara35

Well i have tried many different posts in many different threads without getting the results I expected. Maybe i'm not giving enough information or asking stupid questions but here it goes....

i recently purchased a 30 gallon aquarium with a 25 W flourescent light. basically just one of those oak colored ones with one bulb. realizing this is not enough light for plants, i am purchasing another one of the same to boost to 50-55W. this may not be the best idea, but its the most cost effective. i currently have some elodea which is doing great with just the 25 W of light. i have looked at many set ups and decided that i like the Iwagumi type set up with the rocks. so here are the questions:

1) Does 50W in a 30 gallon (1.66 W/Gallon) classify as a low light, moderate light, or strong light aquarium?

2) Can i keep cories with HC ground cover? Will HC grow in these lighting conditions? What other plants would be good for this kind of lighting?

3) Will i benefit by using CO2 in this tank? Will it give me better results? because i plan to do a DIY set up.

4) What are the best rocks to use for an Iwagumi tank and does anyone have a "guide" to doing this type of tank? Also, where is the best place to find these rocks because my LFS does not have much.

5) I currently have regular black sand as substrate, but i want to add 20 more lbs of sand as i have about 20 pounds in there now. Should i add regular sand or is there a good substrate to use?

6) What would be good to use for a background? I am considering just a regular black posterboard as a background. I may also get white or blue so i can switch it up from time to time.

7) Are fertilizers necessary?

I think that's it. Please leave some comments. Even if you only have a comment for a specific question, that's fine. I just want to get a lot of different insight and opinions. Please help me out!!!