New Tank, New Substrate.......New....?

[lilmissruffcountry]

K, got the Jebo filled and sand is in along with 20-40 HOB filter for now(it has good bio in it already). I need a 30 inch light for it. Would like to..I think put some plants in there on some driftwood...Forgive as I am slowly coming up with ideas here, ya'll can chime in at any time now!

I need to know what kind of light would work the best. I though about a T5 like this one:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp57011/si2949168/cl0/currentusanovaextreme302x24wt510000kfreshwater

Or:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp57011/si1379081/cl0/coralifeswt5aqualightdoublestriplight30

Or:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp57011/si1379085/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight30

But need some help. Oh, and other ideas on who to put in it, or what decor.

[Gene D]

Try the Marineland double bright led. Cheaper than T5 and more energy effecient. Plus you get the shimmer effect of metal halides.

[Gene D]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18366/si4461234/cl0/doublebrightledlightingsystem1824

[lilmissruffcountry]

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...tingsystem1824

NICE...thanks. I might just go with that one. Look better then the others for the tank.....now to stock it?

[Mzungu]

I'd go with the Current fixture. If you're going to do live plants, that fixture has 2x24W T5s, whereas the Coralife fixtures have 18W bulbs.

[lilmissruffcountry]

I'd go with the Current fixture. If you're going to do live plants, that fixture has 2x24W T5s, whereas the Coralife fixtures have 18W bulbs.

The plant I was considering putting in there are low light...like anubias, java, maybe some sag or a few vals.

[Mzungu]

I think you'll still be better off with a bit more WPG. Since the Current fixture has HO bulbs, that'll give you about 1.5 WPG, and the Coralife fixtures will give you barely over 1 WPG, since they're not HO bulbs. Not a huge difference, but even for low light plants you'll want a little more than just 1 WPG.

[lilmissruffcountry]

I think you'll still be better off with a bit more WPG. Since the Current fixture has HO bulbs, that'll give you about 1.5 WPG, and the Coralife fixtures will give you barely over 1 WPG, since they're not HO bulbs. Not a huge difference, but even for low light plants you'll want a little more than just 1 WPG.

Thanks...all in good time will I get all these guys together. Got to find some nice wood to put in there too...still got a long ways to go!

[lilmissruffcountry]

First picture...this is it this morning with a make-shift light over it, sand in, and HOB running. Another question. What color backing? I was going for black, but I don't know....

[Darbex]

IMO I would go for a lighter background.

[lilmissruffcountry]

IMO I would go for a lighter background.

Like?

[supadave]

If you add a little filter floss (quilt batting) to your filter , it will clear the water up quicker for you.

[lilmissruffcountry]

If you add a little filter floss (quilt batting) to your filter , it will clear the water up quicker for you.

Too funny. I just stuffed the filter before I checked this. Same thinking....NICE!