Plant lights

[paul anderson]

I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a planted
tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem that i
can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should keepin it.
Right now it is my Chiclid tank.

[Shagster]

Go for CF bulbs... I would start with (2) 96 Watt bulbs (6700k light
rating)... I had spare CO2 tanks around (beermister!), so I'm using
pressurized CO2 injection and think it works great and doesn't cost me much
at all...

My tank is stocked with tons of plants, and just some simple fresh water
community fish... Be sure to get 2 SAE's (the REAL ones), and plenty of
fresh water shrimp like Amano shrimp (Caridina japonica).

You'll also need to start thinking about fertilization for the plants as
well...and do yourself one more big favor... Use a true plan substrate for
the bottom of the tank... I'm loving the results since switching to
Fluorite..


Troy




"paul anderson" > wrote in message
news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a planted
>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem that i
>can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should keepin it.
>Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>

[Jim Anderson]

In article <v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02>, says...

> I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a planted
> tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem that i
> can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should keepin it.
> Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>
>
>

I put two double fluorescent shop lights over my 55 mounted in a wood
canopy. 4 x 40watts = 160watts / 55 gallons = 2.9 watts/gallon.

For CO2 I have just switched from DIY Yeast CO2 generator and reactor to
Flourite Exel for usable carbon. Google search for these. The upper-end
plant enthusiast use expensive pressurised CO2 systems.

Use RO water and raise Discus and assorted medium to large, peaceful
tetras (Lemon, Rummy Nosed, Cardinal, Bleeding Heart, Diamond)and Amazon
Sword plants.

Be sure to clean that chiclid pig sty before you put the pretty fish in
;^)

--
Jim Anderson
( 8(|) To email me just pull my_finger

[djay]

"paul anderson" > wrote in message
news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a planted
>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem that i
>can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should keepin it.
>Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>
For a 55 gal tank... You can build the canopy yourself and put 48"
fluorescent lights and a ballast pretty cheap. Google on "DIY aquarium
Hoods" and you'll find a ton of ideas. With over 2 WPG you will need to
consider pressurized CO2. Depending on how resourceful you are, you can get
a system for under $100 (I paid $45 for mine). I use playsand as a
substrate and it works great! I Fert with DIY mix and have lush growth.

Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do well
with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert with
KCL. I have found that it will kill them.

I have a wide mix of community fish. My 26 Cardinal Tetras are my favorite.

[Happy'Cam'per]

"djay" > wrote in message
news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>
>
> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do well
> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert with
> KCL. I have found that it will kill them.

I have Amanos and CRS in a tank that gets dosd with KCL and everyone seems
fine to me, no deaths.
--
Kind Regards
Cameron

[Richard Sexton]

In article >, Happy'Cam'per > wrote:
>"djay" > wrote in message
>news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>>
>>
>> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do well
>> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert with
>> KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
>
>I have Amanos and CRS in a tank that gets dosd with KCL and everyone seems
>fine to me, no deaths.

An excess of chloride ions will hurt ammano shrimp, whether it comes from sodium chloride
(salt) or potassium chloride (KCL, used as a plant fertilizer as a source of
potassium). While the plants use up the potassium all that chloride is still
in solution and build up if you don't keep up with water changes.

Ammanos live in freshwater in rivers, but when freshly hatched they
are swept downstream to bracksih water. While the adults cannot tolerate
brackish water the youg will die without it.

Now, Ammonia, even in very small concentrations, ie ANYTHING non-sero
will kill thme overnight.

--
Need Mercedes parts ? - http://parts.mbz.org
http://www.mbz.org | Mercedes Mailing lists: http://lists.mbz.org
633CSi 250SE/C 300SD | Killies, killi.net, Crypts, aquaria.net
1970 280SE, 72 280SE | Old wris****ches http://watches.list.mbz.org

[djay]

"Happy'Cam'per" > wrote in message
...
> "djay" > wrote in message
> news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>>
>>
>> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do well
>> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert
>> with
>> KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
>
> I have Amanos and CRS in a tank that gets dosd with KCL and everyone seems
> fine to me, no deaths.
> --
> Kind Regards
> Cameron
>
>
As always YMMV , however when I stopped dosing with KCL my amanos stopped
croaking.

[[email protected]]

I have shrimps in my tank as well crabs and a snail.
So what kind of fertilizer should I use for my plants now that I should
be getting soon a 110W system to my 33Gal?

I don't want to hurt the fish in any way because of the plants.
They can regrow, while fish only live once. :)

[Pisces]

What's the Amano Shrimp for? what are SAE,s and otto?
I am also trying to convert my 55gal tank to a planted tank. these are very
valuable information, but some of it goes by over my head.
thanks

"djay" > wrote in message
news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>
> "paul anderson" > wrote in message
> news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
>>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a planted
>>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem that i
>>can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should keepin it.
>>Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>>
> For a 55 gal tank... You can build the canopy yourself and put 48"
> fluorescent lights and a ballast pretty cheap. Google on "DIY aquarium
> Hoods" and you'll find a ton of ideas. With over 2 WPG you will need to
> consider pressurized CO2. Depending on how resourceful you are, you can
> get a system for under $100 (I paid $45 for mine). I use playsand as a
> substrate and it works great! I Fert with DIY mix and have lush growth.
>
> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do well
> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert with
> KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
>
> I have a wide mix of community fish. My 26 Cardinal Tetras are my
> favorite.
>

[Peter Demski]

All of them are good algae eaters to keep your tank clean.
SAE: Siamese Algae eater(Crossocheilus siamensis)
Otto:otocinclus

Check this webpage out near the bottom there is a section on algae eating
fish
with info on all of these that you might find helpful.
http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9

I have the Ottos but haven't tried the SAE's or amano's yet(going to
buy some tomorrow actually). BTW welcome to the planted tank
world!

Hope this helps out a little:)

Peter


"Pisces" > wrote in message
...
> What's the Amano Shrimp for? what are SAE,s and otto?
> I am also trying to convert my 55gal tank to a planted tank. these are
> very valuable information, but some of it goes by over my head.
> thanks
>
> "djay" > wrote in message
> news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>>
>> "paul anderson" > wrote in message
>> news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
>>>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a planted
>>>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem that
>>>i can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should keepin
>>>it. Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>>>
>> For a 55 gal tank... You can build the canopy yourself and put 48"
>> fluorescent lights and a ballast pretty cheap. Google on "DIY aquarium
>> Hoods" and you'll find a ton of ideas. With over 2 WPG you will need to
>> consider pressurized CO2. Depending on how resourceful you are, you can
>> get a system for under $100 (I paid $45 for mine). I use playsand as a
>> substrate and it works great! I Fert with DIY mix and have lush growth.
>>
>> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do well
>> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert
>> with KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
>>
>> I have a wide mix of community fish. My 26 Cardinal Tetras are my
>> favorite.
>>
>
>

[djay]

> wrote in message
oups.com...
>I have shrimps in my tank as well crabs and a snail.
> So what kind of fertilizer should I use for my plants now that I should
> be getting soon a 110W system to my 33Gal?
>
> I don't want to hurt the fish in any way because of the plants.
> They can regrow, while fish only live once. :)
>
You can use any commercial fert available at your LFS or Mega pet center.
If you want to "roll your own" you will need the right concentration of
Nitrogen Phosphorus and Potassium. Each tank is a little different based on
water conditions, lighting, substrate, filterization, co2 etc. The goal is
to get just enough nutrients in the water column and/or in the substrate to
sustain and promote growth while not getting too much in the water column
and/or substrate to promote algae growth.

DJay

[Pisces]

Thanks alot I know the SAE I am just not used to the abreviations. I do have
a chinese algae eater for years now, he keeps my tank clean. but I guess
when i add more light he may not be able to handle the increase algae.
Pisces

"Peter Demski" > wrote in message
. ..
>
> All of them are good algae eaters to keep your tank clean.
> SAE: Siamese Algae eater(Crossocheilus siamensis)
> Otto:otocinclus
>
> Check this webpage out near the bottom there is a section on algae eating
> fish
> with info on all of these that you might find helpful.
> http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9
>
> I have the Ottos but haven't tried the SAE's or amano's yet(going to
> buy some tomorrow actually). BTW welcome to the planted tank
> world!
>
> Hope this helps out a little:)
>
> Peter
>
>
> "Pisces" > wrote in message
> ...
> > What's the Amano Shrimp for? what are SAE,s and otto?
> > I am also trying to convert my 55gal tank to a planted tank. these are
> > very valuable information, but some of it goes by over my head.
> > thanks
> >
> > "djay" > wrote in message
> > news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
> >>
> >> "paul anderson" > wrote in message
> >> news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
> >>>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a planted
> >>>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem
that
> >>>i can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should keepin
> >>>it. Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
> >>>
> >> For a 55 gal tank... You can build the canopy yourself and put 48"
> >> fluorescent lights and a ballast pretty cheap. Google on "DIY aquarium
> >> Hoods" and you'll find a ton of ideas. With over 2 WPG you will need
to
> >> consider pressurized CO2. Depending on how resourceful you are, you
can
> >> get a system for under $100 (I paid $45 for mine). I use playsand as a
> >> substrate and it works great! I Fert with DIY mix and have lush
growth.
> >>
> >> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do
well
> >> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert
> >> with KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
> >>
> >> I have a wide mix of community fish. My 26 Cardinal Tetras are my
> >> favorite.
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

[djay]

"Pisces" > wrote in message
.. .
> Thanks alot I know the SAE I am just not used to the abreviations. I do
> have
> a chinese algae eater for years now, he keeps my tank clean. but I guess
> when i add more light he may not be able to handle the increase algae.
> Pisces
>
> "Peter Demski" > wrote in message
> . ..
>>
>> All of them are good algae eaters to keep your tank clean.
>> SAE: Siamese Algae eater(Crossocheilus siamensis)
>> Otto:otocinclus
>>
>> Check this webpage out near the bottom there is a section on algae eating
>> fish
>> with info on all of these that you might find helpful.
>> http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9
>>
>> I have the Ottos but haven't tried the SAE's or amano's yet(going to
>> buy some tomorrow actually). BTW welcome to the planted tank
>> world!
>>
>> Hope this helps out a little:)
>>
>> Peter
>>
>>
>> "Pisces" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > What's the Amano Shrimp for? what are SAE,s and otto?
>> > I am also trying to convert my 55gal tank to a planted tank. these are
>> > very valuable information, but some of it goes by over my head.
>> > thanks
>> >
>> > "djay" > wrote in message
>> > news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>> >>
>> >> "paul anderson" > wrote in message
>> >> news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
>> >>>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a
>> >>>planted
>> >>>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem
> that
>> >>>i can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should
>> >>>keepin
>> >>>it. Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>> >>>
>> >> For a 55 gal tank... You can build the canopy yourself and put 48"
>> >> fluorescent lights and a ballast pretty cheap. Google on "DIY
>> >> aquarium
>> >> Hoods" and you'll find a ton of ideas. With over 2 WPG you will need
> to
>> >> consider pressurized CO2. Depending on how resourceful you are, you
> can
>> >> get a system for under $100 (I paid $45 for mine). I use playsand as
>> >> a
>> >> substrate and it works great! I Fert with DIY mix and have lush
> growth.
>> >>
>> >> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do
> well
>> >> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert
>> >> with KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
>> >>
>> >> I have a wide mix of community fish. My 26 Cardinal Tetras are my
>> >> favorite.
>> >>
>> >
>> >
>>
>>
>
>

I've heard (never experienced) That CAEs get very agressive as they get
older. SAEs are very docile, IME.

[Bill]

"djay" > Spaketh Thusly:

>I've heard (never experienced) That CAEs get very agressive as they get
>older. SAEs are very docile, IME.
I've had about a half-dozen SAE's, and they were all very peaceful - except
for those rare occasions when they felt like jumping. I lost one when it
jumped hard enough to actually push open the cover and get out. Found it on
the floor the next morning about 6' away from the tank.
But the exception that proves the rule.... an old big fat SAE in my 10G
kitchen counter tank, always well behaved, until I decided to move my tiger
barbs into that tank because I got tired of the abuse they heaped on the other
inhabitants of the tank they were in. It doesn't like them, chases them
around, butting them, good thing it can't bite they'd be dead. Basically acts
as nasty to them as they do to each other.
I figure they deserve it :-) And the SAE seems to be having fun. It's been a
year and no injuries on anyone, just a lot of action.

--
Bill H. [my "reply to" address is real]
www.necka.net
Molon Labe!

[Pisces]

My CAE is the opposite he was very aggressive when he was young now at 3yrs
old he is very calm he even allow everyone into his territory now. You can't
keep more than one per tank though.

"djay" > wrote in message
news:EzOme.10244$3u3.9746@trnddc07...
>
> "Pisces" > wrote in message
> .. .
>> Thanks alot I know the SAE I am just not used to the abreviations. I do
>> have
>> a chinese algae eater for years now, he keeps my tank clean. but I guess
>> when i add more light he may not be able to handle the increase algae.
>> Pisces
>>
>> "Peter Demski" > wrote in message
>> . ..
>>>
>>> All of them are good algae eaters to keep your tank clean.
>>> SAE: Siamese Algae eater(Crossocheilus siamensis)
>>> Otto:otocinclus
>>>
>>> Check this webpage out near the bottom there is a section on algae
>>> eating
>>> fish
>>> with info on all of these that you might find helpful.
>>> http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9
>>>
>>> I have the Ottos but haven't tried the SAE's or amano's yet(going to
>>> buy some tomorrow actually). BTW welcome to the planted tank
>>> world!
>>>
>>> Hope this helps out a little:)
>>>
>>> Peter
>>>
>>>
>>> "Pisces" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>> > What's the Amano Shrimp for? what are SAE,s and otto?
>>> > I am also trying to convert my 55gal tank to a planted tank. these are
>>> > very valuable information, but some of it goes by over my head.
>>> > thanks
>>> >
>>> > "djay" > wrote in message
>>> > news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>>> >>
>>> >> "paul anderson" > wrote in message
>>> >> news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
>>> >>>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a
>>> >>>planted
>>> >>>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem
>> that
>>> >>>i can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should
>>> >>>keepin
>>> >>>it. Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>>> >>>
>>> >> For a 55 gal tank... You can build the canopy yourself and put 48"
>>> >> fluorescent lights and a ballast pretty cheap. Google on "DIY
>>> >> aquarium
>>> >> Hoods" and you'll find a ton of ideas. With over 2 WPG you will need
>> to
>>> >> consider pressurized CO2. Depending on how resourceful you are, you
>> can
>>> >> get a system for under $100 (I paid $45 for mine). I use playsand as
>>> >> a
>>> >> substrate and it works great! I Fert with DIY mix and have lush
>> growth.
>>> >>
>>> >> Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do
>> well
>>> >> with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert
>>> >> with KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
>>> >>
>>> >> I have a wide mix of community fish. My 26 Cardinal Tetras are my
>>> >> favorite.
>>> >>
>>> >
>>> >
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
> I've heard (never experienced) That CAEs get very agressive as they get
> older. SAEs are very docile, IME.
>

[Nikki Casali]

I have a similar experience. My CAE was sucking the slime coat off my
angelfish and ravaging my redtailed shark. I put him in a new tank with
3 SAEs and 3 Ancistrus, and he's become quite passive. He ignores the
SAEs even when they come right up to him. The Ancistrus, he darts in
their direction when they "get in his hair", but they're too quick.

Nikki

Pisces wrote:

> My CAE is the opposite he was very aggressive when he was young now at 3yrs
> old he is very calm he even allow everyone into his territory now. You can't
> keep more than one per tank though.
>
> "djay" > wrote in message
> news:EzOme.10244$3u3.9746@trnddc07...
>
>>"Pisces" > wrote in message
.. .
>>
>>>Thanks alot I know the SAE I am just not used to the abreviations. I do
>>>have
>>>a chinese algae eater for years now, he keeps my tank clean. but I guess
>>>when i add more light he may not be able to handle the increase algae.
>>>Pisces
>>>
>>>"Peter Demski" > wrote in message
. ..
>>>
>>>>All of them are good algae eaters to keep your tank clean.
>>>>SAE: Siamese Algae eater(Crossocheilus siamensis)
>>>>Otto:otocinclus
>>>>
>>>>Check this webpage out near the bottom there is a section on algae
>>>>eating
>>>>fish
>>>>with info on all of these that you might find helpful.
>>>>http://www.plantgeek.net/article_viewer.php?id=9
>>>>
>>>>I have the Ottos but haven't tried the SAE's or amano's yet(going to
>>>>buy some tomorrow actually). BTW welcome to the planted tank
>>>>world!
>>>>
>>>>Hope this helps out a little:)
>>>>
>>>>Peter
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>"Pisces" > wrote in message
...
>>>>
>>>>>What's the Amano Shrimp for? what are SAE,s and otto?
>>>>>I am also trying to convert my 55gal tank to a planted tank. these are
>>>>>very valuable information, but some of it goes by over my head.
>>>>>thanks
>>>>>
>>>>>"djay" > wrote in message
>>>>>news:MfTke.589$tv3.377@trnddc06...
>>>>>
>>>>>>"paul anderson" > wrote in message
>>>>>>news:v1Qke.1238$Yy3.690@trndny02...
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I have a 55 gal freshwater tank that i am trying to turn into a
>>>>>>>planted
>>>>>>>tank. I am curious what is the best yet affordable lighting syatem
>>>
>>>that
>>>
>>>>>>>i can use. And the same with Co2 and the kinds of fish I should
>>>>>>>keepin
>>>>>>>it. Right now it is my Chiclid tank.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>For a 55 gal tank... You can build the canopy yourself and put 48"
>>>>>>fluorescent lights and a ballast pretty cheap. Google on "DIY
>>>>>>aquarium
>>>>>>Hoods" and you'll find a ton of ideas. With over 2 WPG you will need
>>>
>>>to
>>>
>>>>>>consider pressurized CO2. Depending on how resourceful you are, you
>>>
>>>can
>>>
>>>>>>get a system for under $100 (I paid $45 for mine). I use playsand as
>>>>>>a
>>>>>>substrate and it works great! I Fert with DIY mix and have lush
>>>
>>>growth.
>>>
>>>>>>Excellent points about the SAE and Amano Shrimp. You would also do
>>>
>>>well
>>>
>>>>>>with several (4-6) Ottos. If you do get the Amano Shrimp DO NOT fert
>>>>>>with KCL. I have found that it will kill them.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I have a wide mix of community fish. My 26 Cardinal Tetras are my
>>>>>>favorite.
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>I've heard (never experienced) That CAEs get very agressive as they get
>>older. SAEs are very docile, IME.
>>
>
>
>

[scooltim]

Thanks, I know I'm just not used to SAE abbreviations. A Chinese eat algae over the years, he let my tank clean. But I guess, When I add more light, he may not be able to handle the increased algae.

[lerryboshman]

Start seeds indoors lighting needs of a specific type of additional devices. Your choice of plant lights depends on how you start the area and many plants, you need light. Select the range from 1000 watts of high-intensity light most simple light bulb. You can set up a simple shop light or purchase a ready-made.