On 2004-10-01, Elly wrote:
2. Most confusing: Let there be light... As I understand, I should
have 50-65W for medium/low light plants. Since I have no hood yet, I
have the flexibility of setting it right the first time.
What would be your recommendations?
What do you think of this:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com seem to have PowerCompact
SmartLite (half 1000'K Ultra-Daylight and half Ultra-Actinic) 30"
1-65W for $89 that takes square pin compact fluorescent bulbs
Is it going to be too bright and will wash out fish colors?
Is it going to be too bright for a tank without CO2 (I am
concerned about algae bloom with so much light and no CO2)
What good alternatives should I consider?
The plants won't need the actinic. Take a look at
http://www.aquarium-supply.biz/order...tFRESH_pc.html.
3. Substrate I plan to mix fluorite or laterite (depends what I can
find locally) to gravel.
How much should I add?
Just just put three bags of Eco-Complete in my 29G. The contrast that
the black gravel provides is very nice to look at. Plus no rinsing as
with the flourite. I almost got the Current USA Satellite lighting for
the all black look, but since it comees with the 50/50 bulb, I went with
the Coralife with the daylight only bulb. I didn't have to change out
another brand new bulb since I had done just that with the 20" for my 10G.
4. Fish: I've read numerous recommendations to set plants first, add
some algae eater later, once its set - add other fish. Preliminary
water tests showed that I have ph ~6.8, soft water. I am reluctant to
start with Otos as the first fish since they are so delicate, but it
seems to me livebearers (e.g. mollies) wouldn't feel good in the soft
water without any salt added.
Should I look for plecos?
Would they go well with such fish as danios or rasboras or tetras,
that I would like to add later?
Is 29 gallon a sufficient size for them?
How many should I keep?
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/fish-popular.html
--
"I have to decide between two equally frightening options.
If I wanted to do that, I'd vote." --Duckman