Bought 55g, please set me straight on lighting/filtration

[TrickyD119]

I apologize in advance for the long read, if you decide to read and respond your help will be greatly appreciated. I included a summary of questions at the end to hopefully make this easier to answer.

I decided to go bigger this afternoon after signing the lease on a duplex and getting the ok from my fiancé.

I bought a 55g All-Glass aquarium and 2 24” Versa-Tops. I’ll be starting a DIY stand and spray painting the back of the glass black this morning and I probably wont even begin setting this baby up for a while, but I have a couple questions regarding lighting and filtration so I can start saving up for those purchases.

Lighting
First… I want to go planted, but would probably like to avoid having to add CO2 if possible (mostly because I know nothing about it). I was thinking 2wpg if I’m shooting for something like that… Is that about right? Or am I way off?

Second, the idea of lunar lighting sounds pretty neat since we are often awake and in the room when the timer shuts off on our 29g and 20g tanks. I saw the following light on Big Al’s.


Current USA Satellite 48" 2 x 65 Watt Power Compact-Single Strip W/2 Lunar Lights

This Current USA Satellite Power Compact Fixture is a single strip light which contains 2 SunPaq SmartPaq bulbs and 2 Lunar Lights. Lunar Lights are small LED's which sit in the fixture above the bulbs. The SmartPaq Lamp is a combination bulb comprised of 10,000K and 460nm Actinic. The SmartPaq bulb produces 3 times the output of standard fluorescent bulbs and has double the life (12 months). This model has one switch.

Could I purchase that fixture and replace the two SmartPaq bulbs with 2 normal 6700k PC bulbs and be sitting pretty good with lighting on my tank?

Also, how exactly does the light create the lunar effect if there is only one switch? Are the lunar lights simply always on?

Is there a better lighting option for me that isn’t too much more expensive that I should be considering?

Filtration

I’m very happy with the two Aqua-Clear 30’s on my 29g aquarium. Would two AC 50s or two AC 70s be a better option with the 55g?

Is there a better filtration option I should be considering on a 55g that wouldn’t cost too much more than the ACs?

Summary of Questions


Is it possible to avoid CO2 injection on a heavily planted 55g? If so, is 2wpg a good goal?
Could I purchase a Current USA fixture and replace the two SmartPaq bulbs with 2 normal 6700k PC bulbs and be sitting pretty good with lighting on my tank?
Also, how exactly does the Current USA fixture create the lunar effect if there is only one switch? Are the lunar lights simply always on?
Is there a better lighting option for me that isn’t too much more expensive that I should be considering?
Would you go with two AC 50s or two AC 70s on a 55g?
Is there a better filtration option I should be considering on a 55g that wouldn’t cost too much more than the ACs?


If you made it this far, thanks so much again!

[Harlock]

Yes, you can avoid CO2 injection in a planted 55 gallon tank. You just have to choose specific plants.

I know nothing of the Current fixtures, but I will tell you at 2.36 Watts per Galllon of Power Compact lighting ferts and CO2 may be handy. I noticed that All Glass has a fixture on Big Al's that is normal output 110 watts at 48 inches. Sounds like you are handy, you could rig up your own DIY lunar lights. I've seen several folks post how they did there's, so do a search on DIY moon light and see what you get on these forums.

I would get two Aquaclear 300s for filtration. Since the model numbers have changed, Big Al's has the old ones on sale for good prices. Here's a link (http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=22127;category_id=1721;pcid 1=2885;pcid2=).

[buddha_red]

i have a 55g glass, 48X12 tank. Im using a jebo i bought off ebay 2X55w and saving the other 2X55wand its plenty for low light plants. 2 watts per gallon is the minimum.

they are not the best light, but for under 100 bucks you cannot beat the value. Just in case you on a budget like me.

[snakeskinner]

I did a similar setup with a 65 gallon which is basically a 55 only taller. I did some searching about what to do on lighting and decided on a DIY overdriven fluorescent lighting and am very happy. I spent about $200 total for the lighting + the wood and hardware for the hood I made. I've included a link to my webshots folder where I have many photos of the tank. it's the only one with the wooden canopy and stand with lots of plants, rainbows, and angels in most photos. I don't have any of the lights themselves but need to do that. I used the schematics and instructions at www.plantedtank.net check out the info on that website to find some good info on planted stuff. My biggest mistake was my substrate. I decided to think instead of read and decided sand would be a good substrate since most photos of planted tanks have sand. The only trouble was what should be under the sand, fertilized substrate for the plants. Sand is prettymuch worthless to plants other than rooting material. Use the wal-mart brand kitty-litter. It is 100% clay which is mainly iron, then cover it with rock or sand, whichever you choose. This will keep the kitty-litter from stirring up in the water as well as a material for rooting. As for filtration, I don't personally like the AC but that's just a matter of opinion. A planted tank doesn't necessarily need as much filtration as a fish only but I still believe more is better. good luck, Kyle


http://community.webshots.com/user/snakeskinnerkyle

[lousybreed]

this is my thread, it might help i basically built everything myself and maybe you can use some of it.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39462

i just read an excellent article in AFM about planted tanks with no co2 injection. they basically said anywhere between 1.5-2 watts per gallon and a flourite substrate and trace minerals. crypts, swords, java fern, anubias, and vals do great this way. I have a twin 32W T-8 fixture and this will probably be good enough. The lights have more output than 40W T-12 lights and i might mount 2 13W 6500K compact flourescents in the hood for more light. Hope this helps

[TrickyD119]

Sounds like you are handy, you could rig up your own DIY lunar lights...

I would get two Aquaclear 300s for filtration.
Thanks for the link on the AC300, definitely a nice price on that one so I'll probably end up ordering one up.

Haha I'm actually not all that handy, but my tanks are making me learn. I'll try that search in the near future here and give it a shot. I read a few things that say they might actually irritate the fish so now I'm thinking it'd probably be best to have something independant anyway.

Thanks!

[TrickyD119]

i have a 55g glass, 48X12 tank. Im using a jebo i bought off ebay 2X55w and saving the other 2X55wand its plenty for low light plants. 2 watts per gallon is the minimum.

they are not the best light, but for under 100 bucks you cannot beat the value. Just in case you on a budget like me.
I had actually never even heard of that manufacturer and I just checked up on it on Ebay and the price looks enticing.

Thanks for the heads up!

[TrickyD119]

...I did some searching about what to do on lighting and decided on a DIY overdriven fluorescent lighting and am very happy. I spent about $200 total for the lighting + the wood and hardware for the hood I made. I've included a link to my webshots folder where I have many photos of the tank....

...My biggest mistake was my substrate. I decided to think instead of read and decided sand would be a good substrate since most photos of planted tanks have sand...
Very nice looking work there. I was planning on forgoing a canopy at this point and just tossing a strip down across the top, but after all the work I've already put in on the stand this weekend it might be nice to keep with the DIY theme. Again, very nice looking, good job.

I appreciate the heads up with the sand. I really like the looks of sand substrate and was planning on just using some pool filter sand. I had absolutely no idea it would be beneficial to have additional nutrient rich substrate underneath it.

Thanks again

[TrickyD119]

this is my thread, it might help i basically built everything myself and maybe you can use some of it.
Link (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39462)

...and a flourite substrate and trace minerals... crypts, swords, java fern, anubias, and vals do great this way. I have a twin 32W T-8 fixture and this will probably be good enough. The lights have more output than 40W T-12 lights and i might mount 2 13W 6500K compact flourescents in the hood for more light. Hope this helps
Helps a ton, thank you.

I just read your entire thread and wish I would have come across it prior to beginning construction on my stand. I way over constructed it. I used 4x4s for the structure, 1.5" board for the top, 40 brackets and 3/4" plywood for sides. I didn't get the doors done this weekend and haven't stained it yet, but this baby is probably 400+ pounds. :thud: I have no idea how I'm going to get it inside lol

Thanks for the heads up with the flourite too. What is your opinion on putting sand over the flourite? I really like the look of sand but will skip it if it would hurt anything.

Great great job on your setup. I know nothing about sumps and even after reading about them I still don't really understand what exactly they do, but you did a heck of a job. If you don't mind, someday I might like to pick your brain about that.

[Spikor]

I wouldn't put in sand. ideally you won't really see too much of the substrate since you are planning on putting in plants. i've heard a lot of people saying to stay away from sand unless your fish specifically needs it (rays, etc..)

also, i wouldn't spray paint anything! you said in your first post tat you were going to spray the back?! any reason? just put some poster board or even better-go to home depot and buy some plexi glas cut to the length you need. you can paint that and hang that pretty easy and not do any real harm to your tank, nevermind if any paint gets into your tank and causes any troubles...

not familiar with the AquaClear but most everyone seems to agree that as far as external power filters go, Bio-Wheels are better. I'd look at getting either a Penguin 300 or an Emperor 400 or maybe. They aren't much more money and I have had great GREAT success doing tank break-ins with the bio-wheel and cycle.

[Spikor]

I wouldn't put in sand. ideally you won't really see too much of the substrate since you are planning on putting in plants. i've heard a lot of people saying to stay away from sand unless your fish specifically needs it (rays, etc..)

also, i wouldn't spray paint anything! you said in your first post tat you were going to spray the back?! any reason? just put some poster board or even better-go to home depot and buy some plexi glas cut to the length you need. you can paint that and hang that pretty easy and not do any real harm to your tank, nevermind if any paint gets into your tank and causes any troubles...

not familiar with the AquaClear but most everyone seems to agree that as far as external power filters go, Bio-Wheels are better. I'd look at getting either a Penguin 300 or an Emperor 400 or maybe. They aren't much more money and I have had great GREAT success doing tank break-ins with the bio-wheel and cycle.

as far as lights go, like Harlock said, if you go with more than 2 watts per gallon you should really consider getting CO2 dissolved into your water. you can do it on the cheap slowly by going through eBay and buying one piece at a time (that's what i'm doing and saving a BUNDLE!)

i just built my own stand for my 29 gallon and I will say it is always better to build stronger rather than just strong enough! You don't want to find 55 gallons of water and dead fish on your floor.

[Harlock]

I use sand an plan to for my next tank as well. Sand works wonderfully well with plants. What is your reasoning for not using it, Spikor?

Also, so long as you are safe, spray painting tank backs is safe. People do it all the time. It's a simple matter of covering the top with a plastic sheet and then shooting the back and letting it dry and cure. After that, it's safe for fish to go in.

For a planted 55, Aquaclears are a better choice in my opinion, than a Biowheel filter. Biowheels expose a lot more water to the air, gassing off CO2 and since he doesn;t plan to inject CO2, I think the AC filters are a much better choice. I use Bio-wheels on my planted 29, but only because I use Flourish Excel for Carbon. That can get expensive on the medium to large size tanks.

[Swimfins]

Sand needs to be turned over or it can compact and create gas pockets that will erupt like volcano's and poision your tank. But, I had sand for a few months in my 25g and never saw it happen. Having trumptet snails or loaches or cories to churn up the sand can help prevent this.

Sand is not the best substrate for plants because it compresses the roots too much, although I find it holds them down better. A layer of sand over a layer of either,laterite/flourite/ terralit, and a small gravel layer on top of this is better, I think.

I have aquarium gravel over terralit, and things are ok with perhaps a bit more headache keeping the plants down, however, once rooted, they stay put.

I am using the jebo (cheapie) compact flourescent, and I'm happy with it. Just watch the top of your water as the temp can get a bit too warm. I remedy this by lowering the water a couple inches to allow air to circulate, and keep the sliding glass top open just a few inches during the day. At night I close it to keep the warmth in.

I am also against painting the back of your aquarium glass. I use a plastic black trash bag cut to fit and keep it on with a smear of cooking oil and a bit of tape at the edges. The slight wrinkles look good, like black marble ;)

[delmore]

not familiar with the AquaClear but most everyone seems to agree that as far as external power filters go, Bio-Wheels are better. I'd look at getting either a Penguin 300 or an Emperor 400 or maybe.

You have it backwards, the consensus is that Aquaclears are better than Bio-wheels. Also, Aquaclear with the foam inserts or bioballs (haven't tried those) are very economical.

For a 55gallon tank with typical stocking level, a single Aquaclear 500 is all you need.

I agree that painting the back of the tank is not needed. Letting algae grow on the back will do the job.

[TrickyD119]

Thanks again for all of the feedback. Swimfins, thanks for sharing your experiences with temperature control with the Jebo too, I’m sure that will be extremely helpful.

Perhaps I will reconsider my stance on CO2 injection. I’ll have to do some more research on it and see if I can come to a better understanding about it. My intention was just to use Flourish Excel if necessary, but I’ve heard that can get pretty expensive on a tank this size.

I’m curious as to why so many of you advised against the use of paint on the exterior of the tank though? Is it simply because of the possibility of contaminating the tank during the painting process or is it something else? Aside from simply liking the aesthetics of the painted black background, I’ve read a few sources that claim it helps relax the fish. Is that inaccurate? I’ve done it with three other tanks already and have always taken great care with plastic and painters tape to keep the spray out of the tank.

[lousybreed]

Helps a ton, thank you.

I just read your entire thread and wish I would have come across it prior to beginning construction on my stand. I way over constructed it. I used 4x4s for the structure, 1.5" board for the top, 40 brackets and 3/4" plywood for sides. I didn't get the doors done this weekend and haven't stained it yet, but this baby is probably 400+ pounds. :thud: I have no idea how I'm going to get it inside lol

Thanks for the heads up with the flourite too. What is your opinion on putting sand over the flourite? I really like the look of sand but will skip it if it would hurt anything.

Great great job on your setup. I know nothing about sumps and even after reading about them I still don't really understand what exactly they do, but you did a heck of a job. If you don't mind, someday I might like to pick your brain about that.

And I thought that I overbuilt my stand!!!!! that is very impressive. if you are confused by the sump thing PM me and i will help you out. i bought the cheap schultze aquatic soil and i really like the color! you could put sand over it and i doubt that it would affect anything but after a while it will become one!!!! thanks for the kind words!!! I am glad that i could help out

[lousybreed]

I wouldn't put in sand. ideally you won't really see too much of the substrate since you are planning on putting in plants. i've heard a lot of people saying to stay away from sand unless your fish specifically needs it (rays, etc..)

also, i wouldn't spray paint anything! you said in your first post tat you were going to spray the back?! any reason? just put some poster board or even better-go to home depot and buy some plexi glas cut to the length you need. you can paint that and hang that pretty easy and not do any real harm to your tank, nevermind if any paint gets into your tank and causes any troubles...

not familiar with the AquaClear but most everyone seems to agree that as far as external power filters go, Bio-Wheels are better. I'd look at getting either a Penguin 300 or an Emperor 400 or maybe. They aren't much more money and I have had great GREAT success doing tank break-ins with the bio-wheel and cycle.

as long as you paint the outside of your tank your fish will be fine, it looks sweet and really makes the fish feel secure. you could go the extra yard and paint the sides, i did this and it looks good