Query about Planted Aquarium

AquaLove

AquaLove

AC Members
Oct 2, 2004
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I have a few questions before I get started. I have a 20 gallon and plan on having multiple live plants with a few fish. I need some advice.

What should I use for a substrate? Sand and gravel with gravel on top?

How many watts of light do I need to get good plant growth? I have a 15 watt flourescent hood which I need to purchase a new light for. Suggestions for light?

Thanks so much! :soda:
 
Hello, gravel is good-sand can have mixed results and will settle to the bottom anyway. Eco-Complete is highly rated by many, though I haven't used it myself. Shultz aquatic plant soil works well for me. Get the light to 2 watts per gallon minimum. If it's a tall tank then try for more. CO2 injection is advisable when you get too much higher than 2.5wpg-algea gets pretty hard to keep at bay without it. Don't worry about fancy plant lights that cost big bucks- if you are handy www.ahsupply.com has some very good packages for retrofitting your hood to some really good -and bright-bulb/reflector packages. HTH, Steve
 
Great, thanks for the advice. I bought an 18 watt light at the fish store for 26 bucks which with the 15 watt hood will bring it up to 32 watts or 1.6 w/g. I am hoping that should be enough, but if it isn't tell me guys and I'll take it back.

Also, should there be no barrier between the light and the water, IE a piece of plastic? Thanks. :dance
 
Depends on how much work you want to put into it. The more light, the faster the growth and the more pruning, fertilizing etc. is involved.
The odds are that over time, if you stay with the hobby, you will become disappointed with the lighting you now have. It is limiting as to what you can grow under it, and growth is slow at that wattage. Not a bad starting point though.

For lots of good information and answers to many of your questions go here:
www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/articles.htm

Also, try using the search engine at the top of the page for answers to questions.

Welcome to the hobby and the board.

Len
 
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