Getting Back Into the Hobby, Few Questions

[DTurner]

Hey All,

So I have not had a tank set up for about 3 or so years. Previously I had been introduced to plants in the tank and I did have a few but nothing too crazy.

The Mrs has let me set up a tank again and I wanted your guy's input on if this is a decent idea for what I have.

So to start off its a 20 Gallon High Tank, so its not a ton of space to work with but plenty to start in the small apartment we have. I am planning on doing a 3 layer Substrate, Organic Soil, Red Florite, then Cap it with Black Sand.

I already had a T5 light fixture and just got new 6500k Bulbs for it. But my main question on lighting is should I only run 2 of the T5 lights or should I use all 4. I don't want to over do it on the light but I am going to try my hand at Dwarf Baby Tears, more on plants later.

I have a Fluval 106 External Filter. I figured that would be fine expecially with plants and other clean-up crews.

So I did some research and figured on the following plants to start with in the tank. I know some like the Dwarf Baby Tears may fail just because they are a very difficult plant from what I heard, but if it works I think I like the idea of the following:
Dwarf Baby Tears, Dwarf Hairgrass, Cabomba, Ludwigia, Red Melon Sword and Amazon Sword.

I plan on having about a 2 to 2.5" substrate in the back for the swords, but I read that potentially the Melon may get too big, however I figured I could trim it.

I do plan on dosing with the Seachem products and I am considering a pressurized CO2 System.

With all that said, what do you guys think? Should I just do 2 T5 Bulbs or all 4 in the Fixture, (I know DBT need lots of light to carpet). Also does that plant mix sound sufficient or even plausible?

Thanks,
David

 

[FreshyFresh]

I didn't know a 4-tube T5 fixture existed for a 20H footprint. What does it work out to wattage wise? All 4 tubes on might work out for you given the right amount of liquid CO2 being dosed. If you didn't have the tank already, I would have suggested a 20 long or 29g as as starter, given the roomier footprint they have over a 20H.

 

[DTurner]

Hey,

Odyssea makes a 20" 4 bulb T5 fixture, 18 watt bulbs for a total of 72 watts. Here is a link, they are a great price for what you get in my opinion. LINK TO FIXTURE

I also may use a pressurized CO2 system as well. For now I'm stuck with the 20H because thats what i had, but hopefully when I get a house, i'll be allowed a "Fish Room" and have a few other tanks.