5G Layout - Hawaii Discussion Area

db8 · 08-31-2009, 03:26 AM

just finished the layout for my 5gallon tank. been wanting to copy the popular "tree". here's some progress pics. what do u guys think? comments are much appreciated. btw, the light that came with it was has the saltwater light (blue and white). is that fine to use with a freshwater tank?

Tex Gal · 08-31-2009, 05:26 AM

Interesting... what next?....

db8 · 08-31-2009, 08:34 AM

planning to put both HC and dhg for groundcover. and then create the tree with java moss but i might need something else that'll fill it up more to make a fuller tree. any suggestions?

edt: and forgot about fauna, i really like the rasbora espei. will also add the usual cleaner ottos and shrimps. and maybe a betta if possible.

houseofcards · 08-31-2009, 08:44 AM

No the blue/white bulb probably won't work. If you're using a CF/PC bulb you probably need at least 27watts of freshwater light (5500 to 10000k) to make your setup work with those plants. You'll also need some form of carbon, preferably co2.

db8 · 08-31-2009, 11:33 AM

cant afford to buy another light. trying to buy as little as i can for this tank. will probably stick with the light as i see no problem with light requirements for java moss and dwarf hairgrass. maybe just the HC. i actually thought it was too bright for this tank size. was wondering if actinic has negative effects for freshwater. at most i'll just probably replace it with 6700K/10000K bulb.

houseofcards · 08-31-2009, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db8

cant afford to buy another light. trying to buy as little as i can for this tank. will probably stick with the light as i see no problem with light requirements for java moss and dwarf hairgrass. maybe just the HC. i actually thought it was too bright for this tank size. was wondering if actinic has negative effects for freshwater. at most i'll just probably replace it with 6700K/10000K bulb.

It's not that the actinic has negative effects it's just that the plants won't utilize it, so whatever wattage you do have is pretty much cut in half. You mentioned HC so I mentioned the bulb you will need. You still haven't said how much wattage you have.

db8 · 08-31-2009, 11:53 AM

sorry, it's the 18w current usa satellite CF 12". so, HC would have problems... hmm...

houseofcards · 08-31-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by db8

sorry, it's the 18w current usa satellite CF 12". so, HC would have problems... hmm...

So you effectively have 9W over 5G. Sorry, but your only going to be able to grow moss, ferns and other lowlight plants. I actually have the same light, but with the freshwater bulb over a 3.5g and I was able to grow HC using excel and a good substrate.

db8 · 08-31-2009, 12:24 PM

if i change the bulb to the daylight 6700k/10000K, will that work? substrate is amazonia aquasoil and i use excel on my other tank. ill be transferring my DIY co2 from my 20G to this and upgrade that to pressurized.

S-KGray · 08-31-2009, 05:48 PM

If you change the bulb which I suggest you do also, then you will have 18 watts of CF/PC lighting over 5g. So looks like you will be still 9 watts short according to houseofcards:

Quote:

Originally Posted by houseofcards

No the blue/white bulb probably won't work. If you're using a CF/PC bulb you probably need at least 27watts of freshwater light (5500 to 10000k) to make your setup work with those plants. You'll also need some form of carbon, preferably co2.

But you could try it and see if it works for you.

Very nice hardscape btw, I like!