So I'm doing a 10 gallon dirted tank so I can get my toes wet in the planted tank world. I have plants in my other tanks but have never really gotten them to grow very well and don't fully understand their needs. I have been doing a lot of research lately and have learned a lot.
First question is my lighting. I purchased a hanging fixture from Home Depot with two 18", 14 watt 6500K fluorescent T5 bulbs. Will that be enough light to grow most any plants? I'm not 100% sure what plants I'm getting yet. Good thing it is hanging because I can adjust the height if need be.
Second, I'm going to use 1/2" miracle gro organic potting soil with 2"-3" Eco complete substrate to cap it. How long do I need to let that soak before I can start planting at least?
Also, if I stock the tank very low (4-5 Cardinal tetras) will I even need to vacuum? I figure the small biomass wouldn't require a large amount of cleaning as far as removing fish waste, because the plants could use the extra nitrates from the bb (I figure).
I don't know what filter to use either because if i dose with CO2 I don't want to lose what I do put in there to surface agitation.
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First question is my lighting. I purchased a hanging fixture from Home Depot with two 18", 14 watt 6500K fluorescent T5 bulbs. Will that be enough light to grow most any plants? I'm not 100% sure what plants I'm getting yet. Good thing it is hanging because I can adjust the height if need be.
Second, I'm going to use 1/2" miracle gro organic potting soil with 2"-3" Eco complete substrate to cap it. How long do I need to let that soak before I can start planting at least?
Also, if I stock the tank very low (4-5 Cardinal tetras) will I even need to vacuum? I figure the small biomass wouldn't require a large amount of cleaning as far as removing fish waste, because the plants could use the extra nitrates from the bb (I figure).
I don't know what filter to use either because if i dose with CO2 I don't want to lose what I do put in there to surface agitation.
Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice