rose_levi2006
07-23-2009, 5:51 PM
Heres the thing im setting up another 55 and i want to plant it i have never done this before all i have is floaters right now. So the question is do you really need special substrate and co2 or can i just get by with regular gravel and im going to use a shop light for lighting. I havent decided what to plant yet. Any help would be great:grinno:
red_wall
07-23-2009, 6:09 PM
Do you have the wattage on the shop light?
Normally, the shop lights don't work that great for lighting. The shop lights spread light everywhere, not concentrating it all into the tank.
You might just be able to keep low low light plants.
The reason for the floaters doing good (I presume, anyways) is because they are so close to the light that it doesn't matter if the light is reflected in.
Unless you don't ahve a shop light at all, then I'd say ditch the idea of getting one, and upgrade your lighting accordingly (flouresent, or CFL)
As for your other questions, no you don't need special substrate for low light plants, even most medium-light plants, the only time you REALLY need it, is when you have a carpeting plant, or a very heavy root feeder at high light.
Co2 is about the same, if you keep it low to medium light, then you shouldn't need it.
rose_levi2006
07-24-2009, 9:09 AM
ok so where is a good place to get lighting cheap?
tanker
07-24-2009, 2:20 PM
ok so where is a good place to get lighting cheap?
DIY. That is the cheapest.
clb2196
07-24-2009, 2:26 PM
I have 2.3 WPG in my 36, I use Flourish once a week, and Excel twice a week or so, and I just have gravel. I have no problem at all growing medium-light plants.