Taylor's 12 gallon planted build thread.

[scruztaylor]

Good move man, you won't want to use a 14K bulb for a planted tank. 10K would work, or if possible, somewhere in the 6700K range would be good (not sure if you can buy halide bulbs in that spectrum).

Yeah the only bad part is the heat coming from it. If I can find a nice 12 inch t5 fixture I might go with that. I hate going from a nice 20k radium bulb to a 6700k bulb. :headshake2:

 

[scruztaylor]

Found a couple non aquarium use. You could go with LED's or stick with the power compact (either or which should work fine) as long as you're getting your wpg and proper light spectrum you should be good to go.

p.s. I can't stop looking at your reef. Absolutely amazing!

Haha thanks dude, that thing is my pride and joy. I am looking for something a little more maintenance free with this setup.

 

[severum mama]

Yeah the only bad part is the heat coming from it. If I can find a nice 12 inch t5 fixture I might go with that. I hate going from a nice 20k radium bulb to a 6700k bulb. :headshake2:

Heat issues are a definite concern here. Honestly I think it would be a lot easier to just go with a T5 fixture if you can find one you like. You'll still need to stay with 10K or 6700K though- no actinics for a planted tank.

 

[phanmc]

Do you still have the standard deluxe hood that normally comes with the nanocube? That hood is enough to grow just about anything, 2x24w cf lights.

 

[scruztaylor]

I got the one without the hood.

 

[phanmc]

Then personally I'd stick with the viper, just raise it from the tank as high as you can. You'll get a nice shimmer effect from MH that you won't with fluorescent.

As long as you have CO2 and ferts handy, you'll be ok. The aquasoil should keep the tank maintenance free for at least a month or two and then you'll want to start dosing ferts. Inject CO2 right off the bat and get a drop checker to make sure you're not overdosing it.

http://www.greenleafaquariums.com/co2-drop-checkers.html

 

[mellowvision]

maintenance free = low light.

you can have lush growth, you just have to choose your plants wisely.

 

[BoCoMo]

maintenance free = low light.

you can have lush growth, you just have to choose your plants wisely.

true (and a UV sterilizer doesn't hurt!)

 

[scruztaylor]

Anyone know of a 12 inch t5 unit?

 

[scruztaylor]

Alright I finally got my light last night. I went with this setup and changed the actinic light with another 6700/10000k . So I have 36 watts of half 6700k half 10000k. It even has a nice moonlight I think today I am going to start dosing excel untill I can figure out what I am doing for c02. With that light what would be a cheaper route? I don't mind buying c02 and a regulator but just don't wan't to spend hundreds on it. I am also planning on getting some plants tonight after class. More pics tonight for sure.

• 2x Dual Daylight 6,700k/10,000k : 18watt
• Lunar Light Moon White : 1
• Product Dimensions : 12" x 7.25" x 2.5"
• Total Watts : 36 watt
• Total Amps : 0.21
• Configuration: D