I need advice

2342 Views 14 Replies 7 Participants Last post by daddyo72, Nov 23, 2004

daddyo72

Discussion Starter · Nov 20, 2004

Hi im not new to fishkeeping but I am a novice at planted tanks.I've
got a co2 reactor I built myself which runs into my powerhead for
distribution.
My plants are:
1)Wysteria 4)Amazon Swords 7)Ammania A easy to grow red plant
2)Java moss 5)Bacopa mint 8)Baby tears
3Dwarf hair grass 6)Lud Repens

My plants arent lively, probably due to the substrate which is sand.
I plan to place my plants in clay pots with aquatic soil rather than
tear the whole tank down. That and the fact that I'm not sure what
direction to go with a substrate suitable for plants.
Have you got any advice for me on whic direction to go? I really want
the plants to flourish, but they aren't.Any and all advice you have
would be quite welcome.

Thank you very much, Jay

Save

1 - 1 of 15 Posts

Gomer

· #4 · Nov 20, 2004

You have 2 major issues working against you:

1) 2x18 normal fluorescent bulbs HARDLY offer enough light for even very very low light plants.
2) 18,000K bulbs are not plant appropriate.

For this tank, you will want to shoot for atleast 2wpg. You can do this with a 2x55 Power Compact light setup. I always DIY it a little and go with www.ahsupply.com

For bulbs, get something between 5000K and 10000K. 5000 is more yellow, 6700 is more green, 10000K is more blue.

There are also GE 9325K's which look pinkish, but are wonderfull for plant growth.

Save

1 - 1 of 15 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month