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I have just reset up a 55 gallon tank 48 x 13 x 24 (actually had to by new tank because support brace broke on other one). This was an established tank for about 3 years with perfect water conditions. I decided to go to a planted tank this time. since I have to redo everything. I put the eco substrate along with some very fine black gravel. I have kept the same cannister filter (marineland c-220) and immediately hooked it up to new tank so bacteria should be quickly restored. I also put about a pound of old gravel in a mesh bag to help with cycle immediately. I am hoping the tank will cycle quickly. I have the lights that came with aquarium so I am sure I must upgrade. Sorry I don't have their specs at this time, but they are definitley basic lights sold with an aquarium kit so I doubt they will be to much benefit for my endeavor. My questions are these:
1. I added gravel and eco substrate today and plan on adding plants tomorrow. They are low light plants. I don't know all the names of them but were recommended by a very knowledge individual. Will plants will be OK with a tank that is recycling using strictly R/O water?
2. I am going to order different lights and have gotten so many suggestions on what is workable that is somewhat confusing. I don't plan to get to exoctic at first so I am looking for decent lights that will work for current situation as well as have a little extra umph if i do add some plants requiring stronger light later. I would like to know what good quality lights would work here. How many watts good brand names and so on.
3. I don't plan on adding any fish until water quality is where it needs to be. I do have an R/O system as I mentioned above, and was told that i could add just R/O water at the beginning. I will then add some tap water to create an acceptable tds reading when fish are added. Is there anything wrong with this approach.
I realize that there are questions outside the lighting issue but I mainly need to know about the lights. If anyone else can help me with other questions it would be appreciated. I am ready to get these lights ordered as so as I can get some input here.
Thanks
1. I added gravel and eco substrate today and plan on adding plants tomorrow. They are low light plants. I don't know all the names of them but were recommended by a very knowledge individual. Will plants will be OK with a tank that is recycling using strictly R/O water?
2. I am going to order different lights and have gotten so many suggestions on what is workable that is somewhat confusing. I don't plan to get to exoctic at first so I am looking for decent lights that will work for current situation as well as have a little extra umph if i do add some plants requiring stronger light later. I would like to know what good quality lights would work here. How many watts good brand names and so on.
3. I don't plan on adding any fish until water quality is where it needs to be. I do have an R/O system as I mentioned above, and was told that i could add just R/O water at the beginning. I will then add some tap water to create an acceptable tds reading when fish are added. Is there anything wrong with this approach.
I realize that there are questions outside the lighting issue but I mainly need to know about the lights. If anyone else can help me with other questions it would be appreciated. I am ready to get these lights ordered as so as I can get some input here.
Thanks