Pipedreamer86
Aquarium Advice Freak
So when i bought my 150g tank i had no intention of planting it but after much research, a lot of time on here, and finding most lfs aquaria decor cheesey i am slowly converting to a planted tank. So i stopped stocking fish. Most of my stock are hearty tetras and cories. My most delicate are my yo-yos which are my favorites! Ive been spending my gf alloted weekly indulgence spending on plants to fully plant this tank. Unfortunately my substrate is sand. If i had known from the get go id have done dirt. So i have two questions currently, can i have a successfully HEAVILY planted tank with a sand substrate(im hoping 75-80%)? I know i will need ferts and rivercats advised me on those, but can sand hold long term? Im thinking years not months.
Next question is lighting. 2 things here. First, my tank, purchased second hand, came with 2 30 watt vita-lite full spectrum T-12 bulbs. I went to the store and no one carries t-12 bulbs any more. I am confident i can find the bulbs online if needed but i was wondering how terrinle these bulbs were. Next i would like to upgrade lighting down the road. It will cost me manicure, pedicure, dinner somplace fancy, and more cuddling than id like to endure so i want to get this right. I was thinking T-5ho lighting but was told by the local lfs expert this would "blind my fish" i know some floating plants would help.this issue but i am also comfortable with simple low/mid light plants at least for now. I guess what im asking what would be the best light upgrade for me from these current dinosaurs.
Next question is lighting. 2 things here. First, my tank, purchased second hand, came with 2 30 watt vita-lite full spectrum T-12 bulbs. I went to the store and no one carries t-12 bulbs any more. I am confident i can find the bulbs online if needed but i was wondering how terrinle these bulbs were. Next i would like to upgrade lighting down the road. It will cost me manicure, pedicure, dinner somplace fancy, and more cuddling than id like to endure so i want to get this right. I was thinking T-5ho lighting but was told by the local lfs expert this would "blind my fish" i know some floating plants would help.this issue but i am also comfortable with simple low/mid light plants at least for now. I guess what im asking what would be the best light upgrade for me from these current dinosaurs.