Help setting up my first planted tank.

[Virtuoso2K12]

alright thank you all.

 

[Virtuoso2K12]

i'll look at the java fern and see if my LFS has java moss.

 

[AshK]

Java moss, anarchis, hornwort, and other "low light" plants did not do well.

^

 

[Virtuoso2K12]

ooopps didn't read it right.I'll just wait for an upgrade than,Thanks again.

 

[AshK]

You can upgrade for less than 20 bucks with your existing hood. Just get a couple sockets from a home improvement store and some Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs. You can have whatever kind of watts you want.

Here's the thread: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147012&highlight=DIY+cfl

And you can pm me if you need help

 

[Virtuoso2K12]

are those Home Depot plant light for aqauriums any good?

 

[AshK]

Are you talking about light bulbs? The aquarium light bulbs found at Homedepot have a variety of watts and stuff and I think they are in the right spectrum. You can't just stick any watt light bulb into your light fixture, however. It wont work.

There's nothing wrong with having a low light plant tank. I love mine, it never grows a speck of algae! You just have to be conscientious with plant choices.

 

[Virtuoso2K12]

nope the strip kind for hoods.

 

[DAVIDFBT]

As long as it's between 5000 and 10000K, the light should grow plants if it is strong enough. (6700K is better for plants) On the box or tag it should have a number followed by a K and maybe a degree sign, this the K temperature of the light meaning how blue or red the light is.

 

[Cory Keeper]

I have 69w of CFL lighting over a 29g, can grow the water wisteria, Red Tiger Lotus (big ol bright red leaves too ), C. Lutea, Ferns, and even HC (though it doesn't exactly take off).

I suspect with my LED lights I should be able to grow just about anything I please . Though that could be a ways off .