Planted 10 gallon

[em_witt]

6-LEDs....not sure where that puts me(low.medium.high light)

DIY co2

Top Fin 10 power filter(seeding it by running it on my 37gal for 2+ weeks)

50watt Top Fin heater

Substrate. This is where I need help
I will use Eco-complete as a base layer and then should I just top it off with gravel(natural brown)?Or is it better to top it off with sand(white pool filter sand)?

As for plants. I want dwarf hair grass as a carpet. Any ideas for mid-background?

The best part about this all is that I actually have 2-10 gal tanks. Both with the same everything.

They will most likely be set up sometime this week as I need to make the stand from scratch tonight.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

6 LEDS? Not all LEDs are created equal so you need to be more specific.

Why not just use 100% Eco Complete?

 

[em_witt]

6 LEDS? Not all LEDs are created equal so you need to be more specific.

Why not just use 100% Eco Complete?

Can I do that? Or is it Better to use a top layer?

The LEDs were the only ones that came with the kit...how do I tell what type they are?

 

[em_witt]

This is what they look like if This helps

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I think EC looks much better by itself and not layered with sand. I think the sand would end up working its way down below the EC. I think it would look better to avoid the 'cake layer' look.

I can't tell if those lights are suitable for plants. Do you know how many watts they use? You should contact the seller/manufacturer to get the lumens or what not. Just from looking at them, I'd guess that they aren't strong enough for plants -- even the low light variety.

DHG needs high light to thrive... maybe moderate at least. co2 is definitely needed too. I think if you really want to go high tech, you should buy a Finnex Ray 2 or T5 fixture -- especially for the DHG to carpet in.

 

[em_witt]

I think EC looks much better by itself and not layered with sand. I think the sand would end up working its way down below the EC. I think it would look better to avoid the 'cake layer' look.

I can't tell if those lights are suitable for plants. Do you know how many watts they use? You should contact the seller/manufacturer to get the lumens or what not. Just from looking at them, I'd guess that they aren't strong enough for plants -- even the low light variety.

DHG needs high light to thrive... maybe moderate at least. co2 is definitely needed too. I think if you really want to go high tech, you should buy a Finnex Ray 2 or T5 fixture -- especially for the DHG to carpet in.

Can I cycle the tank first and then put the EC in? Or do I have to put the EC in first?