What to plant

[New_b0401]

Lol well im a high schooler and I love this hobby! But sadly dont have as much money to put into it as i would like so I do a lot of improvising haha

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[pittbully13]

It can get expensive for the good stuff/equipment. You can do a dirted tank with a cap of sand blasting media.

 

[New_b0401]

Do I need a cap? I was planning on getting some flourite from my lfs and leaving it as is.

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[pittbully13]

Do I need a cap? I was planning on getting some flourite from my lfs and leaving it as is.

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I just use fluorite black, no cap. I was just suggesting a cheap option.

 

[New_b0401]

Oh well thank you lol I think ill stick with just the flourite and I was planning on using java moss as my carpet

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[pittbully13]

What light did you end up with?

 

[New_b0401]

Haven't gotten one yet saving up for the finnex planted+ LED until sticking with low light plants

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[New_b0401]

Here's my current hood going to get a different bulb next week as this one is only a 15watt


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[Fresh2o]

Here's my current hood going to get a different bulb next week as this one is only a 15watt


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What kind of bulb did you have in mind? With T-5 and T-8 fluorescent bulbs, you really cannot change the to higher wattage bulbs using the same fixture. You can change to a more plant friendlier spectrum.

 

[Fresh2o]

Lol well im a high schooler and I love this hobby! But sadly dont have as much money to put into it as i would like so I do a lot of improvising haha

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Improvising can be a good thing. Promotes creativity and thinking outside of the box. You may have to do a bit more research to find lower costing alternatives.

 

[pittbully13]

Here's my current hood going to get a different bulb next week as this one is only a 15watt


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I had a similar single tube light, but modified it for cfls.

 

[pittbully13]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306848

Check this out.

 

[New_b0401]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306848

Check this out.

Sadly im not good with wiring /: and I actually have a 10 gallon without a hood I can use my old one on, but thank you so much for the suggestion I'll deffinitly save this idea for future uses

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[Fresh2o]

I had a similar single tube light, but modified it for cfls.

Yes, that would work! Low cost mod with good results.

 

[New_b0401]

I have a cfls hood idk that was better but it only holds 2 bulbs. Will it work? If so what bulbs should I get?

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[pittbully13]

Yes, that would work! Low cost mod with good results.

Yeah, until my wife approves for an led fixture. Lol

 

[Fresh2o]

You could still try a pair of 5.5" dome shaped clamp on style lights with 13w 6500k CFLs. All for $20-25.

 

[New_b0401]

What kind of bulb did you have in mind? With T-5 and T-8 fluorescent bulbs, you really cannot change the to higher wattage bulbs using the same fixture. You can change to a more plant friendlier spectrum.

I was planning on trying the zoo med ultra sun lamb bulb 18"/15 watt 6500K T-8 it said it was suppose to help plant growth and stimulate photosynthesis or something along those lines located at my local Petsmart $15.99

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[Fresh2o]

I was planning on trying the zoo med ultra sun lamb bulb 18"/15 watt 6500K T-8 it said it was suppose to help plant growth and stimulate photosynthesis or something along those lines located at my local Petsmart $15.99

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This should work (better) for the low light plants you have now. And save up for the Finnex LED. As you can see from the cost of a single bulb, imagine doubling that for a dual bulb T5 setup and then buying them annually. It adds up and the LED makes sense.

 

[New_b0401]

Yea I did the math and the finnex is the best choice plus the fact that I need the other hood for a different tank. What about my cfls hood would it work better until I can get the finnex?

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