first aquascape: 55g

[zooking12]

Plan #3. Please help decide by choosing 1, 2, or 3.

 

[zooking12]

Ok. I know this is pushing it but would it be possible to do this aqarium without lights at all? (besides natural sunlight and the 10 gallon hood with 2 15 watt bulbs)

 

[zooking12]

Ok, so I'm going to try to set it up today. I'm going with idea 3.

 

[HalfMoon B]

Woot, I'm sure it will look fine.

 

[zooking12]

Thanks. It'll be hard, though. Are there any tips on actually "planting" the plants?

 

[HalfMoon B]

Do it with water 3" above the substrate before the aquarium is full. Makes it WAY easier. Long tweezers help.

 

[zooking12]

Thanks. I'll try that. But, ona different subject of stocking, could I replace 1 male and 4 females with 5 congo tetras?

 

[Vircomore]

If you (or your parents) are worried about electricity costs - you could always make an argument to save up a bit more money and purchase an LED system. Marineland's "Double-bright" strips are pretty expensive off the start (the size for your 55g would probably cost you $120 - $150) but they consume next to zero electricity and can still grow great plants.

I have one on top of my 26gal and it grows Anacharis, Java Fern, Corkscrew Val, Wisteria and Anubias Nana just fine for only 6.2watts.

 

[zooking12]

Thanks. Thats actually what me and my father were looking at. But my tank is a second hand tank, so I'm waiting for that hood from up north. I've decided not to buy anything hoodwise until I got it.

 

[zooking12]

I got it!!! It's a 1 bulb flourescent hood (or something like that). Me and my dad are going to find a peice of plexiglass to lay on top of the aquarium so the hood won't get wet. Anybody else have any cheaper, quicker suggestions? (I need a ride and my dad's the only one who can take me but he's ALWAYS busy. Always.