planting for success?

i.ridescence

AC Members
Jan 11, 2010
13
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C-ville
So I have a 29 gal I used to have planted, but the plants eventually all died off. I want to replant it, but I want to make sure it's done right this time. My water is soft, so what are some cheaper, hardy softwater plants? The gravel is 20 lbs of Seachem's Flourite mixed with 10 lbs of regular gravel. My light is a 24 inch Flora Sun Max Plant Growth bulb. I also have liquid plant fertilizer I can use weekly. The temp is about 78F. Any suggestions? Thanks!
 
i'm just guessing that you have less than 1 wpg of lighting. which isnt really enough, especially because the tank is so tall. I would suggest upping your lights to about 2wpg

co2 does a body good. if you have the money to drop on a pressurized system that would be ideal. or you can try out the diy co2
 
I just used a 24" Flora Sun Max Plant Growth bulb, assuming that it would do the job its name seems to imply. Should I upgrade to a better light? What kind do you guys recommend?
Also what plant species would you guys suggest? Thanks!
 
I have a 55g tank, 80watts, 2in sand, add liquid plant food once a month and I grow plants of all sorts, high, medium and low lights....seriously!
 
yeah you have about 1.45wpg on your 55.
he probably has .58wpg on his 29.

thats less than half the amount of lighting you have.
 
coralife is one of the few companys that makes a 30" t5 ho light.

i would buy that if i were you
 
take half of that away and see what you can grow. a 29g is the same depth as a 55g.

i had ground cover that i couldnt get to gro in a 55g with amost 3wpg, ei dosing and pressurized co2.
 
So, I need at least 2 wpg for my tank... and I need a t5 ho light? How would a compact fluorescent fixture do? And how can I get the best deal on whichever kind of lighting is the best for plants? I'm a college student so I definitely need to save as much money as possible. Thanks guys!
 
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