Just bought an AH light kit

Ghostshrimp55

AC Members
Sep 30, 2005
382
4
0
Hi, everyone. I just bought an AH supply light kit and was wondering what would be best for the plants that I would like to put in my tank?

I have a 55 gallon and will be getting 2 55 watt kits delivered this weekend to bring my total wattage up to 2 watts/gallon. I'll be using 2 6700 K compacts.

Will I need CO2 at this light level? If so, would DIY CO2 be okay? Also, what kinds of plants would everyone suggest for this amount of light? I already have an amazon sword that has sent up several new leaves and another flower stalk (you can almost see this thing growing by the hour). I have one red crypt (I think), and 2 unidentified plants that aren't doing much right now. My current lighting consists of 2 AGA 24" hoods with a 10,000 K 15watt bulb in each (yeah, waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too low). I also have flourite mixed with gravel. Thanks a lot!
 
I used DIY CO2 in a tank set up the same as you describe with good results. But it required 2 - 3 two liter bottles, and I switched off one with new ingredients every week. It gets old when you do as much mixing as I was doing in those days, but with only one tank you may not find it as much work.:)
Since your 55 is really pushing it for DIY, it helps a lot to buy or make a good reactor to disperse your gas as efficiently as possible.
You will be able to get by with E. Tenellus for a low grower in the front and Crypts and Anubia will do well in your environment. Many stems will grow for you but not get much red in them at your wattage.

Len
 
AquariaCentral.com