I have a 36 gallon planted tank with a 65w compact flourescent and normal gravel. Is it worth the money to switch to eco complete or that flourite stuff from petsmart? My light is used and has an older 50/50 bulb in it. What type of buld should I replace it with? Is 65w enough? My plants grow ok but I think they could do alot better.
Lighting and substrate for 36g
- Thread starter ScottyNorq
- Start date
65W is fine for low light plants. Crypts, anubias, java fern, vals, etc. should grow fine under your light. You don't want to use a 50/50 bulb for a planted tank though. I'd go with either a dual daylight or a 10K.
As far as switching to Eco, it's really your call. It's great stuff but not really necessary. I have it in one of my tanks, but my 45 planted has pool filter sand and it works fine.
As far as switching to Eco, it's really your call. It's great stuff but not really necessary. I have it in one of my tanks, but my 45 planted has pool filter sand and it works fine.
Replace the bulb with either a 6700k or 10000k bulb and your plant selection increases greatly.
If you have the option of breaking down the tank, then switching to a plant substrate would be nice, imo. But if that isnt the case, mixing in laterite might be an option, or seeding it with root-tabs will help to enrich it.
If you have the option of breaking down the tank, then switching to a plant substrate would be nice, imo. But if that isnt the case, mixing in laterite might be an option, or seeding it with root-tabs will help to enrich it.
You dont have to, if you have the option, it would be nice. Changing it as its running is fine, but be prepared for the mess and detritus that will cloud the tank up.