Light for 5.5G

[phanmc]

What djlen is suggesting is sometimes called a silent cycle. Plants use ammonia and nitrate as a source of food, just like the bacteria in the cycling process. If you load up with enough fast growing plants in the tank (won't take much for a 5g tank) the plants will absorb all of the ammonia before it can become toxic to the fishes. Some good plants for the job are hornwort, water wisteria, water sprite, and anacharis. You don't need to keep them if they don't appeal to you, just keep them in there long enough for your primary plants to establish themselves. Plant heavily, say 10 stems of whatever bunch plant you choose in addition to your primary plants. The old mulm is extra insurance that the bacterias for the cycle process are present should the plants not absorb all of the ammonia.

Flourish Excel is sufficient for small tanks but a constant and stable source of CO2 is better, so if you already have pressurized CO2 handy use it.

 

[Galaxie]

I have a question I'd like to throw in here. In my planted tanks, the watts per gallon is under control. However, I've never thought much about color temperature. What should I be shooting for ? Mainly, I have a lot of Java fern and 3 Amazon Swords.

Thanks

 

[djlen]

Whatever looks good to your eye. The plants don't care if the range is somewhere between, say 2500K and 10,000K.
'Daylight' is in the 6500K range and many of us use that color temp. To me it is the most natural look.

Len

 

[Galaxie]

Wow! These 6400K bulbs look awesome. I've never seen a bulb produce such a white light. :thm:

 

[Aries]

Which one did you get?

Aries

 

[Galaxie]

I got two 15watt compact fluorescent (800 lumens), mini base spiral from Light Bulb Depot. The brand is Damar.
I'll have them mounted above my 20g high planted tank.

I also put two 14 watt/ 4000K above my 10g tank and they make it look 100% better.

The light hoods are just cheapo black plastic with two standard sockets, but I painted the insides chromed silver and vented them, so they reflect much better.

 

[Aries]

Sounds good.

Could you post some pics - both of hood and tanks???

Thanks

Aries

 

[Galaxie]

Here's a couple shots. The hoods are pretty simple, just silver spraypaint inside.
As a disclaimer, my walls are painted green...and I don't like...but, only been here 2 years/ haven't painted this room yet.

I like this first shot. Shows the contrast between the overhead lighting (standard compact fluorescent...probably 2000K), the 55g tank with 15watt tubes, the newly lit 20g tank, antique white curtains, and green walls.

 

[djlen]

WOW THOSE ARE LARGE PICTURES!!!!!
Just wanted to mention that many people, myself included, feel that if you can't use polished aluminum as reflectors, plain old flat white paint is the next best thing.

Len

 

[Galaxie]

Yes, and you should have a moisture barrier between the water and the painted surface. That way, the paint doesn't get scummed up and need cleaning. All-Glass makes covers for nearly every size rectangular aquarium.