converting my 20g into planted

[mark razmandi]

so maybe i could replace the lights under my hood with glue or something with something like this?

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18366/si2989513/cl0/currentusa1225powerbriteledlightfixture10000kdaylight

[Roujin]

Do they carry these in a freshwater version?

[mark razmandi]

does it matter?

[Roujin]

It matters. Oh and these are LEDs, doesnt say how many watts.

[mark razmandi]

ok well lets say i dont want to spend the money on lights....my option then is a low lighted planted tank right?...what other components will i need then as far as CO2 and substrate filtration etc.....i have aquasoil already

[mark razmandi]

what about this? it doesnt give much details about power but its a retrofit kit

http://www.nanoreefsupply.com/index.php?aquarium=lighting_cu_eclipse

or this

http://www.aquariumpros.com/p-ENE53201,LFpr.html

[melonz]

Well co2 is pretty much pointless if you're going with low lights since the plants wont be able to utilize all of that co2 with out proper lighting. If you don't want to ditch the hood, are you good with diy? If so, give http://www.ahsupply.com/ a try. I've read a lot of success with this company. Thats if you want to go high tech. But since you already don't want to spend all this money, don't bother going high tech. Check out TPT, they have a section for low tech tanks.

[mark razmandi]

well this sucks...i want to do this right so i might just go for high tech...im looking at retrofit kits...i found a couple that i listed above

[Mzungu]

http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm

I agree. AH Supply is great. If you want to go high tech, I'd get the 1x55w kit. You can always put a 65w bulb in there.

Then, if you get more light, I'd get the pressurized CO2, also.

[melonz]

Well if you want to do things right, do it right all at once. You'll save more money in the end and the frustration. I've messed up soo many times trying to do it the cheap way resulting in more money wasted than saved. Go with the retrofit kits I showed you. You won't be disappointed.

[Somefishguy]

What kind of filter does your hood have? Is it a Hang on back type, but in you hood already? If so adding pressurized CO2 may be pointless as well because breaking the water surface will degas your aquarium. My personal opinion on what to do.

Ditch the hood. Make a diy hood out of wood ($30 if you have the tools), add 3x 26 watt spiral bulbs from walmart with the mounting plates from home depot ($25). Install those in you hood. Add a small canister filter for the tank. Add your Co2 and your aquasoil. Get plants and call it day.

If you do it this way, get the CO2 system on the other thread then you may be able to do the whole thing for $200 including plants (if bought of somone on fishbox, if not then it may run you more).

Just my thoughts on what you should do.


On a side note i built a hood for my 29g, with those same lights ( 2.7 wpg) for under 25$ and it came out just fine. I added DIY Co2 and get pretty good growth... at least I am happy with it thus far.

[mark razmandi]

i can have the filter spout break the surface or not...also my bulbs are 18" so i think these will fit better right?

http://www.aquariumpros.com/p-ENE53201,LFpr.html

[Mzungu]

Just make sure the width will fit into the hood - the 96W 18" bulbs are pretty wide.