mtundu

Ok, so I have this idea for a low-tech, low-maintenance blackwater tank with plants such as some of the hardier crypts, anubias, java fern and java moss. This is primarily going to be a breeding tank, but I want some plants in there as well. The water will be stained with leaves and driftwood. pH will be 5.5 - 6.5.

The tank is a 29gal, but I only intend to fill it 12-14in (so like a 20L). I've found two reasonable options:

Coralife T5 2x18w
Nova Extreme T5 HO 2x24w

Will the HO fixture push the tank into the medium-high light range (and therefore require more maintenance). Is the Coralife not enough for even plants with low light demands?

The current default is the standard AGA hood with a single 20w T8, so either would probably be better than that.

Squawkbert

Those plants would do well with thelower wattage fixture, even if the tank were pretty full (which would be good for anything breeding). Unless the water were *really* black, I suspect that 48W would be pushing it, especially if the tank were only partially filled.

mtundu

Thanks for the opinion. It's all I needed to make the choice -- I just ordered the 30" Coralife T5 NO freshwater fixture.

Before posting this question I looked through a lot of threads and some people questioned this particular fixture. So, I will update on how it works as I get this tank set up. Expect a low light blackwater tank journal starting sometime soon.