5 gallon new set up question

[montanafish gal]

I just bought a 5 gallon for my new betta. I used some filter media from my established tank in the new filter and also some of the eco-complete from my established tank because I added a few low light plants to the 5 gallon. From what I understand, this will speed up significantly, or even skip, the cycle process. yes? no?

If this is the case, will I still get that brown algae, I think it's called diatoms(?) in the new tank?

The tank setup came with a small bulb that says it's a 15 watt. That would be 3 wpg in that 5 gallon tank, but is it the right kind of light for plants?

 

[theredchaser]

Seeded media with plants will definitely help ease the cycling process. You should still check for readings the first couple of days though.

If you add a lot of fast growing plants you might not see diatoms, but its not a big deal even if they do appear.

The WPG "rule" is vague at best... I wouldn't really rely on it, especially on such a small tank where the accuracy is even worse. If you have an incandescent light, the kelvin rating is probably off for maximum growth for plants. That being said, there's not a whole lot you can do because of the bulb type. You might wanna check your local hardware store for cfl's that will fit.

 

[montanafish gal]

thanks, theredchaser.

I'm starting to think that the "15 watt" bulb that came with the tank is a joke because it doesn't even light up that little tank very well. Wouldn't one think that a 15 watt bulb over a 5 gallon tank light the tank up pretty well?

 

[montanafish gal]

bump

 

[jpappy789]

Wpg does not work with smaller tanks due to the minimum light threshold.

http://www.rexgrigg.com/mlt.html

Lux is not a great measurement for lighting when it comes to plants but the basis is the same. I believe the best so far is PAR which is used by Tom Barr. Not something the average hobbyist deals with though, so watts per gallon is still used as a general guideline with larger tanks.

The brightness depends on the type of bulb too. Is it incandescent? fluorescent? We need more info on the lighting you have. Watts is the amount of energy used, but that does not automatically translate to the light put out by the bulb. Kelvin rating also can play a factor. Lights in the 10000K area are white and appear brighter than those in the 6500-6700K range which are more yellow to the eye.

 

[clb2196]

thanks, theredchaser.

I'm starting to think that the "15 watt" bulb that came with the tank is a joke because it doesn't even light up that little tank very well. Wouldn't one think that a 15 watt bulb over a 5 gallon tank light the tank up pretty well?

Is it a fluorescent or incandescent light? Incandescent wouldn't light as well, and it will get very hot. If it is incandescent, you should be able to replace it with a CFL for cheap. I have a 13 watt CFL for my 5 gallon and it's nice and bright. Is is one of the Marineland or Eclipse 5 hexes by any chance?

 

[montanafish gal]

Is it a fluorescent or incandescent light? Incandescent wouldn't light as well, and it will get very hot. If it is incandescent, you should be able to replace it with a CFL for cheap. I have a 13 watt CFL for my 5 gallon and it's nice and bright. Is is one of the Marineland or Eclipse 5 hexes by any chance?

I just looked at the box it came in. It's a Aqua Culture Home Aquarium Starter Kit 5 with a "incandescent light hood complete with bulb". Sooo I'm assuming the bulb is incandescent and is not going to suffice for keeping live plants.

When you say "CFL" what does that mean?

 

[clb2196]

I just looked at the box it came in. It's a Aqua Culture Home Aquarium Starter Kit 5 with a "incandescent light hood complete with bulb". Sooo I'm assuming the bulb is incandescent and is not going to suffice for keeping live plants.

When you say "CFL" what does that mean?

Compact fluorescent light. You want something like this. Make sure it says "daylight" or "6500k"and not "bright white" or "soft white".

 

[jpappy789]

I agree...replace it with a spiral CFL. You can find them at most home improvement stores (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.) or somewhere like Walmart.

 

[montanafish gal]

CLB2196 and JPAPPY789, Thanks for the info! I will get a new, better bulb for it then! My camera battery is charging; when it's done, I will post some pics of my new tank and betta.