View Full Version : I feel like I could do better
SHK_ATK
03-15-2007, 1:26 PM
I had my 29G for a while now. and I recently started using Live plants I am using eco comp. and some pool filter sand ontop of that as my substrate, My current ocupants are on my sig. I have more than enought lighting that run for about 10-12 hrs a day. But all and all im not quite happy with the look of my aquarium. What would you AC members suggest that I do to make it look more "eye appealing"... I know some people might suggest adding more plants... But which kind?? I dont want to add driftwood as I just took some out to give it a more "clean" look. here are some pics of how its currently set up.
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/dce9.jpg?tkn=ph46Z.FB3Dibhjv2&saveas=rock
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/dc59.jpg?tkn=ph46Z.FBW91bnQau&saveas=filter
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/a094.jpg?tkn=ph46Z.FB..Ad.MXS&saveas=wide
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/da9a.jpg?tkn=ph46Z.FBUj7WbAFq&saveas=top
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/e294.jpg?tkn=ph46Z.FBw6evYt1h&saveas=bubble
kjr928
03-15-2007, 1:32 PM
I think you could make it look better by "organizing" you plants a little more. Put them closer together and leave some open space on the floor. Try to think of it as someone's front yard. A couple of trees here and there, bushes in groups here and there, and the rest is lawn.
OR
You could just go completely nuts and fill every open space with a plant, so that they don't look sporadic, but rather, FULL. Maybe the tallest plants in the back and on the sides, and low growing plants (if any exist) in the front and center. So you're kind of making a "frame" with plants.
what bulbs are you using? what wpg? are you injecting co2 into your tank?
SHK_ATK
03-15-2007, 5:14 PM
Im using Flora-Sun for lighting
http://www.fish.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=710465%20018&srccode=FSHSHPNG
I made some arrangements I also bought some cherry hedge along with 3 female guppies. and here is what it looks like now... Im debating taking out the big rock... what do you guys think????
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/bf25.jpg?tkn=ph0Nd.FBFaayUMcj&saveas=fish1
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/f9e9.jpg?tkn=ph0Nd.FBzgjEbKFU&saveas=fish+2
Im a little bit more happy with it. I might just end up buying more plants and giving it that "Full" effect. I dunno.
plantling
03-15-2007, 5:53 PM
Hi. I've also got a 29 gallon and am a newbie myself. Just started at the very end of January. I love looking at other people's planted set-ups on the web and have taken more than one look at reiverix's on page 10 of the plant pictures sticky. You're starting out very nicely, though I think you may need more light. It's quite challenging to get enough light in a 29 gallon and I've jimmied things up to get 3 regular tubes over my tank. Still it's barely considered medium light, so I'm thinking about upgrading with AH Supply bulbs. A lot of the red plants need high lighting and I love red plants, especially the Red Temple that I was able to get a hold of.
Just my 2 pennies.
Im using Flora-Sun for lighting
http://www.fish.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=710465%20018&srccode=FSHSHPNG
I made some arrangements I also bought some cherry hedge along with 3 female guppies. and here is what it looks like now... Im debating taking out the big rock... what do you guys think????
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/bf25.jpg?tkn=ph0Nd.FBFaayUMcj&saveas=fish1
http://f7.yahoofs.com/users/ciHdQZfq0Sn9/__sr_/f9e9.jpg?tkn=ph0Nd.FBzgjEbKFU&saveas=fish+2
Im a little bit more happy with it. I might just end up buying more plants and giving it that "Full" effect. I dunno.
yea i think you'll need some more lighting than that. and you can replace the big rock to add a piece of driftwood attached with some moss.
SHK_ATK
03-15-2007, 6:49 PM
Ok im hearing more lighting.. Well would I just get another bulb like the one i have now so i have 2X the light, OR, would I need something else Pics and links are helpfull and welcomed. I rather spend some money now on good lighting since Uncle Sam owed me some Greenbacks :D
plantling
03-15-2007, 7:03 PM
I'm thinking of doing a retrofit using a kit from
www.ahsupply.com
plantling
03-15-2007, 7:05 PM
Sorry.
www.ahsupply.com
SHK_ATK
03-15-2007, 7:25 PM
Sorry.
www.ahsupply.com
I saw the chart that they had on there. I dont really know that much about bulbs and what not. What would You recomend?
phanmc
03-15-2007, 8:26 PM
you'll want to at least double the amount of wattage you currently have. If you're going through ahsupply, get the 1x55w with any of their lightbulbs (6,500k are popular).
In terms of aquascaping, plant each plant species in groups closely together. Move the large rock in front back a little and create a little open space in the middle front.
SHK_ATK
03-15-2007, 8:46 PM
you'll want to at least double the amount of wattage you currently have. If you're going through ahsupply, get the 1x55w with any of their lightbulbs (6,500k are popular).
In terms of aquascaping, plant each plant species in groups closely together. Move the large rock in front back a little and create a little open space in the middle front.
it IS in the back :D i think im going to take it out..
SHK_ATK
03-15-2007, 9:12 PM
what happends if I get something like 7800k or 10000K?? Does it cause algea problems?
plantling
03-16-2007, 4:36 PM
You might get algae w/the 10,000k. Plants prefer (grow better) at 6700k.
phanmc
03-16-2007, 5:43 PM
You might get algae w/the 10,000k. Plants prefer (grow better) at 6700k.
Not true on both accounts.
You won't get algae using a 10,000k bulb, one of my tanks were using only 10,000k lighting for over a year at 2wpg and had no algae issues.
The kelvin rating in Fluorescents matter very little in terms of plant growth. A popular bulb for the planted tank is the GE Aquarays which are rated at 9,235k, it brings out the reds in plants and fishes and gives plants a deeper green. Hagen PowerGlo grows plants just fine and is rated at 18,000k.
SHK_ATK
03-16-2007, 8:08 PM
okay so something like this?? If so how many bulbs should I get?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3814&N=2004+113350
plantling
03-16-2007, 8:48 PM
I've got 3 bulbs over my 29 gallon. I beleive 20 watts is the max for these type of bulbs, 24 in. That only puts me around 2 watts per gallon and I've read where red plants like Eusteralis and Red Temple do better in higher light. Right now my Red Temple isn't as red as I'd like and has green undertones. What's the pretty red plant in your tank?
Oh, thanks for the corrections, phanmc.
SHK_ATK
03-16-2007, 10:04 PM
I've got 3 bulbs over my 29 gallon. I beleive 20 watts is the max for these type of bulbs, 24 in. That only puts me around 2 watts per gallon and I've read where red plants like Eusteralis and Red Temple do better in higher light. Right now my Red Temple isn't as red as I'd like and has green undertones. What's the pretty red plant in your tank?
Oh, thanks for the corrections, phanmc.
Its called "Cherry Hedge"