10g tank: Phase 1

[Fishingforfish]

Decided I'm going to go by phases in the process of improving my tank. It's still in the process of cycling, with 2 platies in them (they always hide once my camera comes out!)

So far this is whats in the tank (not much I know)
Gravel
A fake plant
And 2 decor..

What I plan to do in the future is moderately add live plants (take out the fake one), and a few more fish. Get better lighting and add airstones or a bubble wand.

Probably able to put up phase 2 next week, I plan to buy some live plants and get florescent lighting next

 

[Mebbid]

I bet that'll be a nice improvement. Did you have any ideas for plants that you wanted?

 

[Fishingforfish]

That's the thing, I have no idea what to add or what watts of lighting to add either (I am new to planted tanks), which is why I made a thread: http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f24/lighting-and-plant-suggestions-269961.html

 

[cgthebeast]

Anubis, java moss and fern are good beginners. Could add duck weed but be prepared to scoop it out by the handfulls

 

[Fishingforfish]

Anubis, java moss and fern are good beginners. Could add duck weed but be prepared to scoop it out by the handfulls

How many watts should I get for low-medium lighting? Is that enough for the plants you suggested? I've never seen duck weed at my lfs but I did see Anubis and java moss!

 

[cgthebeast]

How many watts should I get for low-medium lighting? Is that enough for the plants you suggested? I've never seen duck weed at my lfs but I did see Anubis and java moss!

Those are all low lights. As for watts, I'm not to sure but 10-16 should be fine. eBay or some of the members on here might give you some duck weed

 

[Fishingforfish]

Those are all low lights. As for watts, I'm not to sure but 10-16 should be fine. eBay or some of the members on here might give you some duck weed

What do you think of these for lighting?

http://m.homedepot.com/p/EcoSmart-1...L-Light-Bulbs-4-Pack-E-ES5M814450K/100687001/

 

[jwh0818]

Just outta curiosity, why is the water low in the pic?

 

[cgthebeast]

What do you think of these for lighting?

http://m.homedepot.com/p/EcoSmart-14-Watt-60W-Daylight-CFL-Light-Bulbs-4-Pack-E-ES5M814450K/100687001/

Those could work. How many bulbs does your hood have now

 

[jwh0818]

The color temp on those are too low. Try and keep it in the 6700k temp range for good growth. 5000k temp is ultimately gonna be just another light


Edit! These will be better than 5000k. They are 6500k but ive used em im the past with great growth on low light plants

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Philips-En...t-6500K-Light-Bulb-4-Pack-E-420091/203248911/

 

[Fishingforfish]

Those could work. How many bulbs does your hood have now

There are 2 inserts with incandescent (don't kill me) bulbs in there for now because there are no live plants.

Or I was thinking these, because they are a bit higher in wattage.

http://m.homedepot.com/p/EcoSmart-1...FL-Light-Bulb-2-Pack-E-ES5M819250K/202275130/

 

[Fishingforfish]

Just outta curiosity, why is the water low in the pic?

Ah, I didn't add enough water yet at the time I took the picture! Haha

 

[Fishingforfish]

The color temp on those are too low. Try and keep it in the 6700k temp range for good growth. 5000k temp is ultimately gonna be just another light

Edit! These will be better than 5000k. They are 6500k but ive used em im the past with great growth on low light plants

http://m.homedepot.com/p/Philips-EnergySaver-13-Watt-60-Watt-T2-Compact-Fluorescent-Daylight-6500K-Light-Bulb-4-Pack-E-420091/203248911/

They don't sell that at my local HD ): their stock is pretty much limited which is why I hate it haha

 

[jwh0818]

They don't sell that at my local HD ): their stock is pretty much limited which is why I hate it haha

Alot of the times you will be stuck ordering online. Its easy and convenient. You can special order from HD and have it sent to the store with free shipping most of the time

 

[Fishingforfish]

Alot of the times you will be stuck ordering online. Its easy and convenient. You can special order from HD and have it sent to the store with free shipping most of the time

If I bought any CFL in the 6700k range, would that be fine also?

 

[jwh0818]

If I bought any CFL in the 6700k range, would that be fine also?

Yes but coming across a 6700k cfl is tough. 6500k for your tank will work fine

 

[Fishingforfish]

Yes but coming across a 6700k cfl is tough. 6500k for your tank will work fine

Alright, I hope I can find one! Thanks

 

[jwh0818]

Alright, I hope I can find one! Thanks

If you cant, post in the classifieds here. Maybe someone has one or two laying around they could sell you

 

[Fishingforfish]

If you cant, post in the classifieds here. Maybe someone has one or two laying around they could sell you

Why haven't I thought of that?! Lol thanks, will do!

 

[Fishingforfish]

Why haven't I thought of that?! Lol thanks, will do!

Good news! I found 6500k..not 6700k though ): at Lowes (7 miles away)...

There are 3 options, which one sounds best?

http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-...0051&productId=3202347&store=0119&view=detail

http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-...0051&productId=3202351&store=0119&view=detail

http://m.lowes.com/product?langId=-...0051&productId=1100833&store=0119&view=detail