Which one would b the best choice?

cichlidcichlid

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Jun 15, 2006
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There is a choice betwee a compact 55 watt and a 2 x 55 watt but one of the bulbs is antic.

would the more powerful one be good for plants?

I am no familiar with antic just day light bulbs.

Also what is laterite and do i need it ontop of ferts or will plain pebble grave work for plants?
 
What size tank are we talking about here?
 
Would i ever need a another bulb to have 110 watts for a any plant that i would want to grow?

If i am going to be spending 181.14 i would want to be able to grow anything.

If i get the single 55 watt would i have limitations?

I want to be able to grow amozon swords and others.

What substrate would i need, would gravel work?

Do i need to add laterite?

I like the 2x55 watt fixture how is looks.

I want to however know if antic will do anything for me and whether i need a 2x 55 watt to grow plants?

Also if i have a penguin 200 would this cancel out co2?

Would i have to get rid of it?
 
Would i ever need a another bulb to have 110 watts for a any plant that i would want to grow?

If i am going to be spending 181.14 i would want to be able to grow anything.

If i get the single 55 watt would i have limitations?

I want to be able to grow amozon swords and others.
There may be some things you cannot grow with 55w over a 29g. Having good co2 and fert dosing will increase your possibilities. With 110w over the 29g, you'd be able to grow just about anything, but you should have pressurized co2 and regular fert schedule with that light. Amazon swords should grow well under just 55w.

What substrate would i need, would gravel work?
Gravel will work, but it has no nutrients. If you want to splurge, get ADA Aquasoil or Eco Complete. Soilmaster select is recommended because it holds nutrients well (ones that you dose)....and its cheap. Look at Lesco.com and see if there is a Lesco in your area.


I want to however know if antic will do anything for me and whether i need a 2x 55 watt to grow plants?

Also if i have a penguin 200 would this cancel out co2?

Would i have to get rid of it?

Its actinic....and it won't do anything for the plants. It can be nice for looking at the tank, after the main bulb(s) have gone off. Its used in saltwater. You could get the 110w fixture and swap the actinic bulb out later if you wanted.

I believe the bio-wheel portion is what can gas off co2. If you took it out, you wouldn't need to get rid of the filter, but you'd lose some of your bacteria.

With 110w, you'll definitely want some type of carbon dioxide injection and pressurized would be much better than diy with that much light. More light increases the need for co2 and nutrients. You will be battling algae with 110w and no co2. Your plants would benefit from co2 with 55w as well though and may increase your ability to grow some plants.
 
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