Best aquarium lights according to redditors

Since it seems like this is getting quite a bit of attention i will do a full breakdown.

The tank is a WaterBox 6 gallon which i saw at a big box store for around $40The driftwood is spiderwood also from the big box store it was $20The soil was the leftovers from a bag of Fluval Stratum $18 (Probably used about half of that)The grass is Sagitaria Subulata, the LFS said it was dwarf sag, but i am not so sure. Took these out of my 20 gallonThe plant halfway up the driftwood is Bucephlandra, not sure which variant, it was from the lfs as wellThe top plant which is emergent i am not so sure on i am thinking it is some type of sword but it was from a big box store last year and i have totally forgotten what it is.The light fixture is a Lominie LED Aquarium Light, $40 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07236CXBQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


EDIT: oh and the stones are petrafied wood from a craft store.

this plus this should work.

FIRST OF ALL: Good on you getting a proper tank for your betta!

Here's what I would do with this tank. Take what you want from it.

Lighting: Finnex Stingray Aquarium LED Light, 20-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAFQ6FK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_QuphybE4CPE6A

I'd get a timer for the light and set it for 8 hours a day.

Substrate: Flourite Black, 7 kg / 15.4 lbs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019J0ISU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_nxphybZM3Y2ZD

And add plants. I think moss would be a nice plant to add with that light as well. Maybe every now and then dose some ferts. I think I see a box to which is a filter. So I'll leave out my filter of choice.

If this were my tank for a betta I'd do this (:

Full timeline here:

https://imgur.com/a/E1Xwrlj

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specs:

Nicrew plant light (here)

eheim 50w heater

eheim 2211 canister filter

ista CO2 controller (Here)

inline CO2 diffuser (here) [not this actual one but essentially the same]

ADA amazonia

ADA powersand

Maintenance:

25% water change every 21ish days

1 cap flourish 2x per week

1 cap iron 2x per week

1/2 cap nitrogen 2x per week

Found this on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMX1C

It’s a nice little light. I have one on each of my nano tanks.

Here is the link for those in the USA.

I’ve had this light for almost two years now and after revisiting this link, I just noticed they used my photos in their product description so that’s mildly interesting.

I do have co2 injection going but for the rotala it is completely unnecessary. It grows like crazy in my low tech, but with co2 I can get enough growth in only 2 days to cut/propagate . I have a cheap($40) LED light from amazon that has been working just fine so far.

• Upgrade your lighting. That penetration is not going to cut it.
  
  
  • Here is a cheap solution: NICREW
    
    
  • Here is a more expensive solution...I have had terrible results with any lighting that does not contain sufficient bulbs in the Red 660nm light spectrum. Unfortunately it is what plants love but can only be found in higher-end lights: Finnex Planted+
    
    
• Get your lights on a timer asap and include a siesta in the middle. Algae hates consistency and live plants love it. For example, I run my lights from 7am-1pm and then from 5pm-9pm. The break in the middle helps combat algae and allows CO2 to build up naturally.
  
  
• Invest in some nutrients. The most expensive but easiest to use products would be Seachem Flourish and Seachem Flourish Trace. A MUCH less expensive and more effective alternative is the EI dosing method which envolves using dry nutrients. You will need a scale if you choose the EI route.
  
  
• Like others have said, invest in some plant-friendly substrate. SubstrateSource is my favorite
  
  If you don't do these things the plants should still probably live...but they wont thrive. And there is a high chance they will die. You don't want to waste all that money you just invested in the plants :).
  
  Good luck!
  
  Here is my swamp

I have the 30” Planted+ 24/7 on my 20 long and it works great

Thanks a lot! It's a 4 gallon Aqueon Evolve that I keep in my dorm room. I replaced the stock light with this so that I could grow more types of plants. I don't use any CO2 but I do dose liquid ferts once a month.

Both of those things already exist:

VorTech Powerhead for recreating natural current patterns.

Finnex 24/7 Planted Plus replicating daylight cycles and natural lighting effects.

I'd get a single 48" simply because it's 1 power cable instead of 2.

If you're already looking at the Finnex Planted+, you should consider about the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 for its built-in timer and color modes (sunrise, sunset, moonlight, etc).

If I had the need and the wherewithal, Mr. Banks... this would be my light fixture of choice.

Sure! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191EWII2

This light - Lominie LED Aquarium Light, Saltwater Freshwater Fish Tank Light for Coral, Planted Nano Aquarium Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cI.kDb2C4TDS0

This is a 5 gallon glass vase I got off houzz.

Asta 20 - Dimmable LED (Planted Version) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_I.hQBbA46X1P2

Really love this little light. Super bright, nice and compact, and it comes with different lenses that angle the light differently.

https://www.amazon.com/HIPARGERO-LED-Aquarium-Light-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=sr_1_1_sspa/146-1421938-5452528?ie=UTF8&qid=1526747637&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=hipargero+led&psc=1

I use this on a 16 bow front with wonderful success. Soft corals and lps. However it is not programmable in any way. For the money it’s amazing, but the best light on the market for smaller tanks is the AI Prime HD. Can’t beat it for quality, watt strength and programmability. Under 300 is no problem.

You should already have the tank because you need to cycle it before putting the axolotl in it and cycling typically takes a month or even longer. Read up on the nitrogen cycle:

https://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/modules/smartsection/item.php?itemid=51

If you end up getting the axolotl before the tank finishes cycling, do a fish-in cycle:

https://www.reddit.com/r/bettafish/comments/3l48fz/tifu_by_impulse_buying_a_fish_fishin_cycling/

I would quarantine the ghost shrimp for a month first. They are farmed in very poor conditions due to their use as feeders, so they could introduce something to the tank.

I use Seachem Fluorite Black Sand (not Fluorite) with my axolotls. It's inert, but supposedly has nutrients. I can't say how well it works for plants since I'm still experimenting with different plants instead of using ones I've already had before. But the axolotls have been fine on it so far.

NICREW lights and ramp timer/dimmer:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYLX2P6/

Plant species all depends on what you want to do. I wouldn't recommend a carpet with axolotls. Bulb plants are easy if they grow and plants like anubias, java fern, and bucephalandra are easy beginner plants that don't need to be in the substrate due to feeding primarily out of the water column (don't plant their rhizomes).

Give them places to hide. Mine spend a decent amount of time in the cover of the PVC pipes or sponges.

Keep the tank lower to help keep it cooler too but remember you still have to change water, which will be hard for conventional methods if the tank is too low. Sorry, I don't use a chiller, so I can't recommend any.

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1539625276&sr=8-3&keywords=fish%2Btank%2Blight&th=1

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I got one of these for mine and it's been running strong for the past 1+ years :)

https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Asta-20-Dimmable-Freshwater/dp/B07236CXBQ

https://www.amazon.com/HIPARGERO-LED-Aquarium-Light-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?keywords=coral+light+led&qid=1558878533&s=gateway&sr=8-9

Best quality light for the money you will be able to find with good reviews. Just do some research online before you buy coral it will go along ways, we all make mistakes but it’s if we correct them that matters. Look into 52 weeks of reefing on YouTube and good luck sir

Hey, i have the 6.6 gallon chi planted so I'll tell you what i can!


The lighting and filter combination on this tank sucks. even with plastic plants and minimal livestock the filter is underpowered for this tank and extremely finicky (water has to be at a certain level constantly, has to be completely level, etc.). The lighting as well is enough to light the tank, but probably not enough to support plant growth. I ditched the combo for a fluval nano though this filter is a bit loud so maybe look into alternatives if you are keeping it in a bedroom or something. For lighting I just use a 13 watt fluorescent desk-lamp. There isn't too much really made for this size tank, though fluval does make this clip on lamp designed for rimless tanks like the chi. though you could look into a desk lamp or there is also clip on work lights that work well with the right bulbs.


since you've been reading the sidebar you probably know about substrate, i use fluval stratum with good results. its a little hard to plant in at first, but the roots on my plants are ridiculous now and I'm pretty satisfied. though I'm just going off my experience, there is tons of other substrates out there.


As far as fertilizers and co2 go, a small tank will save you a bunch of money. you could invest in a co2 setup or do a diy setup, but i just use liquid co2. in a large tank its impractical, but its usually 1ml per 10 gallons. so you're really using 0.5ml per day, so a ~450ml bottle should last you 2.5 years. though measurements that small are impossible so a $12 bottle should last you a couple months, and i avoid adding it everyday so my plants don't grow out of control. fertilizers depend on what plants you choose, i just add liquid plant food once a week and its working pretty well.


the other thing to consider is that this is a nano tank, and you will be limiting yourself with the amount of fish and plants you can choose from. if you just want a Betta 5 gallons should be great, but anything else isn't really suited for this sized tank. I would visit your local fish store and see what plants they have and suggest. this tank is tiny so I'd avoid anything that going to spread out and grow tall or you're going to have a ton of maintenance. Also have you considered maybe just passing on the tank and getting something like a 20 gallon? nano tanks are great, but they are a pain in the ass to work on (every-time you want to do something you have to take water out or the displacement from your hand will flood the tank), if something starts rotting it can throw the entire tank off balance since there isn't that much water in the tank, and as previously mentioned, if you want to add any fish to the tank, you're stuck with either a betta or shrimp really.


if you have any more questions let me know I'll try to answer them as best as i can. here is my tank if you're curious! link

What kind of look are you going for?

You could probably perch one of those cone-shaped aluminum work lights on top, but it will have an industrial look.

Something like this, but used without the clamp.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001KDVY42/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1463959589&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=clamp+light+10+inch&dpPl=1&dpID=41hFYMDpfcL&ref=plSrch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B7PJHU6/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?qid=1463959589&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=clamp+light+10+inch&dpPl=1&dpID=51ivgMwycLL&ref=plSrch

I'm not sure how that would work long-term with moisture, and you'd have to set it up in a way that it wouldn't fall in.

Another option might be a clip-on desk light.

Or this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LIL7YPE/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1463959903&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=finnex+fugeray

The problem is the cylindrical shape. If the clamp doesn't go on well, you might have to improvise.

On the aquarium I got a Fugeray Planted+ cliplight and on the terrestrial plants I'm using a growlight

I have them. They're pretty much useless. Just spend a little more and get the finnex sting ray. http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-StingRAY-Clip-Light-Aquarium/dp/B00LMH10HC

I've heard nothing but good things about the Finnex Planted+ 24/7. In fact, I just bought one for myself because of what I read. So far, I've only had it operating for a few days but am satisfied. Notice if you scroll down on that amazon page, there is a table with other finnex lighting options that give specs on general applications, how difficult plants the particular product supports, among other things. I found that particularly useful. I went with the planted+ 24/7 because it could support plants ranging from low-high light requirements. But you can see there are others available depending on your goals.

looks fine to me. i tend to move towards less species in higher numbers as i think it's a better display, but there's nothing wrong with your stocking. only a few things i'll say on it; first, make sure you use a sand substrate, kuhli loaches like to burrow and dig, meaning they can hurt themselves if you use sharper material. second, i might advise against the dwarf gourami as a centerpiece fish, they are poorly bred and prone to disease. many people have had success with them, but there's always a chance that it'll get hole-in-head or something else out of your control. perhaps the pearl gourami instead? it's larger, but is much healthier and in my opinion prettier.

> filter

use Aqadvisor's filter tool, it's fairly accurate and can be used as a standard/minimum

> lighting

i'm not sure how well you'll grow plants with the one you linked. the one i would suggest is the Planted+ 24/7. it's about twice as expensive from the manufacturer as the one you linked, but it's really the best light available that fits all of your requirements. i'd suggest looking on craigslist or ebay for anything with "finnex" in it. i got a 24/7 and the Ray 2 for a significant discount on craigslist, people are selling these things pretty regularly for much less than what they cost. you might even end up getting one for the same price as the one you listed, as people selling aquariums will often part them out if you ask, and the one i linked is fairly popular.

> a beginners carpeting plant; one that doesn't require a super amount of light, one that's pretty hardy, and one that carpets quickly.

unfortunately no such thing exists. the reason carpets require so much light is because they're at the bottom of the tank, and when the light reaches it it's mostly diffused. you'd likely be able to grow a carpet with the Finnex at a slow/medium pace, but if you opt for a more low-tech route, i'd suggest Cryptocoryne Parva. it's a little bit of a stretch to call this a "carpet plant", but it does the job. like any other crypt, this grows slowly but will do fine in low/medium light, similar to java fern. it will take awhile, but you'll eventually have most of your ground covered with crypt if you go this route

> fish food

i use New Life Spectrum and frozen foods, and Hikari is also of very high quality. variety is the best policy, read up on the dietary needs of your fish and feed them accordingly. it's not a good idea to feed your fish solely with live, frozen, or dried foods. the optimal diet will probably look something like a regular feeding of high quality dried pellets with occasional live foods (like brine shrimp or something) and veggies, if the fish eats them.

to go back to the stocking for a second, if it were my tank, i would stock it more like this, but it is very important to note that it's not my tank and you may stock it as you like. i also gravitate towards tanks with specimens from a specific region, in this case southeast asia

EDIT: i forgot to address this,

> I wanted to make sure none of the fish in my potential stocking have a tendency to jump out of the water

all fish have the tendency to jump out of the water, but especially gourami and danio. using a top is the way to go

I use this on my 50 tall: [Finnex FugeRay Planted+] (http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE)

My plants are arguably over-growing.

Well, if you ask me, T5 and T8 lighting is quickly becoming a thing of the past. LEDs are getting cheaper and cheaper and the quality is getting better and better. I really recommend just going with LEDs. You can get a nice 30 inch fugeray planted plus for less than $100. This should be enough to take care of carpeting the 20 long. You should shop around though, and get familiar with the term photosynthetically active radiation, which is the unit of measure for the effectiveness of grow lights. There are some general guides on what PAR ratings you want for different plants, but I think around 50 is considered high-light, and 30 will take care of most plants. PAR is also measured by the distance from the lights, and is usually shown as a diagram of the aquarium. With your 20g long, being so shallow, you have a lot of inexpensive options that will easily reach the substrate. You should also compare the wavelength charts for each light, which should be available on the manufacturer's websites. With a little google-fu, I found a nice post on the light spectrum and planted aquariums. There are some too-good-to-be-true LED lights on the market that boast their 10k lights, but don't want to show you the spectral analysis, which exposes how crappy the lights actually are.

CO2 definitely as a learning curve. For optimal growth, you want to hit 30 ppm CO2 during the "day", which is indicated by an approximate 1 Ph swing with the shake method (test the water without shaking the CO2 out, then test again after shaking the crap out of the vial). This website explains it all and has a nifty CO2 calculator. If you do a DIY CO2 setup, using yeast in a bottle, you won't have to ever worry about adding too much. This is a great way to get started with CO2, and get your feet wet before buying the equipment. The downside is you have almost no control over the CO2 production, and it gets to become a hassle to deal with the mess and weekly maintenance. Still, do this to start! Eventually you will want a nice big 5 pound (or bigger) canister, and a fancy regulator. Don't bother with those paintball gun things. They cost nearly as much to get set up, and require a lot more maintenance. My 7.5 pound tank lasts me around 4 months before I need to refill it, and that's on a 90g planted tank running around 10 bubbles a second. Most people who get the little paintball setups just end up wanting to upgrade later, and you will have wasted a ton of money.

Balancing CO2 levels with your photoperiod is also important. Be sure to get a regulator with a needle valve for fine adjustments, and a solenoid that will turn on/off the gas for you. I keep my lights and my solenoid plugged into two different lamp timers so the CO2 kicks on an hour before the lights come on and turns off an hour before the lights go out. You can play with the timing yourself by setting up an experimental cycle, and doing periodic Ph tests throughout the day to monitor CO2 levels and Ph swings. Adjusting your CO2 flow is a pain in the but, even with a nice needle valve. It takes most people a full day of tinkering just to get it set right. Basically you turn on the regulator, turn the dials all over the place until you get the pressure where you want (by looking at your bubble counter). Then wait an hour for the airline tube to absorb the pressure, and recalibrate. For a moderately planted 20g, you will probably want to start at around 3 bps. Get it calibrated, let it run, and then check the CO2 levels throughout the photoperiod to see how close to 30 ppm CO2 you get.

Good luck! And hopefully at least some of this information was useful for you!

https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Timer-165W-Aquarium-Dimmable/dp/B00UMXAR5S?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3

Retrofitted this into my 24g hood. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UMXAR5S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Grew SPS

try this
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_Q4SFzbGZVASP7
i just ordered the larger size for my new 20 long and its great. much more affordable too

For substrate - sand + root tabs is easy and cheap.

Lights - cheapo LED I have in my 5.5.

Plants - anubias (make sure rhizomes are exposed when planting, can also be tied to stuff), java ferns (do not plant, tie to decorations), java moss, moss balls, anacharis. For floating plants I'd recommend frogbit, you can usually get some for cheap on r/aquaswap.

Filter - any old air powered sponge filter. But why are you wanting to change the current filter? If you run them both for ~3 weeks the new filter should be sufficiently cycled.

You won't crash your cycle unless you allow the current filter media to dry out. The bacteria can survive ~24hrs without food.

I am running a Nicrew on my ten gallon, might go with it when I get a 20g long also. .

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO?th=1

For a 5 gal, my take would be this: https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Asta-20-Dimmable-Freshwater/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1518825530&sr=8-4&keywords=aquarium+plant+led

Cheap, sleek, and dimmable.

I put this puppy over the top of it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nF5EAb9BYQ8BE

Way too much light turned all the way up but it's dimmable. No Co2 but I'm putting in about a mL of glutaraldehyde (flourish Excel) every other day or so. I'm sure the algae will explode any time now though!

Thanks very much! It's this one: Lominie LED Aquarium Light, Asta 20 Nano Dimmable Planted Tank Lights 6500K with Gooseneck for Plant Freshwater Aquarium Fish Tank Refugium (Planted Version) https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rKGGDb5TDV8NK

99% sure it was this one: Nicrew LED Aquarium Hood Lighting Fish Tank Light for Freshwater and Saltwater, Blue and White Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YFiCxb3YJHNTV (on mobile, sorry)

I had a Nicrew 12-18 inch LED light on my 5 gallon for a while and it worked splendidly. Nothing spectacular, but it grew my Swords and Java Ferns. Great for low light, not so much for carpeting. Also it's cheap. But I don't know how much that matters to you.

You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HiqIDbZ9F02HN

I've recently upgraded the tank to 10G and am now using a Finnex stingray on it. I have to say that it is one of the best lights I've ever used. It's just the right amount of light and is great for low maintenance/low light plants and high maintenance/high light plants, so it's good all around. I'm not sure if they have a model suitable for a 5 gallon but it may be worth checking out. It's a bit more expensive but worth the price IMO.

You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAFQ6FK?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hope this helps a bit OP

The tank is very deep so I replaced the light that came with the tank with this it grows plants okay but I wish now I had bought an even brighter light, something like a round floodlight would work well for this tank. Also I glued a piece of foam over the filter intake slots to prevent shrimp from being sucked in, it seems to work fine and does not affect the filter flow rate. Cleaning algae off the curved corners can be a chore but otherwise it's a great little tank.

I have this NICREW light on my 5.5 gallon and it's lovely, it's adjustable and has day (white + blue LED) and night (blue LED only) settings. For the price I think it's a great bargain especially if you don't have high light requirements for your plants.

Depends on what shrimp you want to keep, some of them require specific setup, like soft water Caridina (crystal shrimp and bees) and hard water Caridina (Sulawesi shrimp). "Base" will be very different for each of them. The rest of questions can be answered only after you decide on what kind of shrimp to keep.

Here are some of their photos and requirements. More on ShrimpFever website, or of any other supplier.

Next, make sure that you water is suitable for chosen kind of shrimp. Test or do online search for name of your city and water analysis. Or maybe you are already prepared to make optimal for them artificial RO based water.

Minimal tank setup: tank (not kit), filter (sponge is good), heater only if your room is cold in the winter, thermometer, light for plants, plants, a lot of hiding places for molted shrimp and babies (could be clumps of plants, wood, shrimp shelters). Substrate is species specific.

Sponge filter: T-shaped is my preferred kind. It should be connected to air pump by airline tubing, with check valve and double air valve to regulate intensity of air flow. Do amazon search for each of them, you will see how they look like. If power filter (=HOB), intake protector will be necessary for small shrimp and babies, sponge or stainless steel cylinder, pantyhose should work too.

If you will need heater, preset to 78F heater could be used only for neocaridina (cherries) and ghosts, but not for cold water caridina. Adjustable heaters could not keep temperature low enough, then external temperature controller (like Inkbird) could be needed. 50W should be enough.

Plants are up to you, this is very personal. I prefer the easiest way, low light low tech plated tanks mostly moss based (Christmas moss, weeping moss, spiky moss, fontinalis, Marimo moss ball, round pellia (actually liverwort, subwassertag or susswassertang), mini pellia. Do image search for moss tank to see moss trees, walls, hills, logs. Rootless plants do not require substrate at all.

Light is kind of plants specific, there are low light setups, fast and easy, and high light setups with fertilization schedule and CO2 dosing. Planted Tank subreddit can say what light fixture would be good for your tank and plants, if your price range. I'm using Nicrew and for other tanks, desktop lamps with daylight CFL. You will need tank cover (lid) for this kind of lights and to reduce evaporation. $5 timer is good enough, but you can ask for a better solution at Planted Tank.

Reliable online stores for livestock: you should name the country. ShrimpFever should be of no help if you are not in Canada.

Food sources for shrimp: depends on the kind of shrimp.

• Dwarf shrimp (cherry, crystals) will graze on the biofilm on the driftwood, glass, sponge filter, plants, with additional feeding by blanched or weighed raw vegetables (zucchini, cucumber, baby carrots, broccoli and so on, preferably low in sugar and holding shape well), leaf litter (do search for this and shrimp), and commercial food (you can see examples on ShrimpFever and find the same in your country). Mineral supplement helps with molting and color. Using feeding dish (like small Petri dish) helps to control pollution, this is even better. More about feeding them is in Shrimp Tank search.
  
  
• Ghost shrimp: anything you give them, especially live black worms, or frozen worms, will be appreciated. Variety and what doesn't pollute tank much.
  
  
• Amano and fan shrimp, no experience.
  
  Maintenance tools: if you will have substrate, gravel cleaner, sized to your tank, bucket, glass scraper.
  
  Tests: API GH/KH test kit; ammonia, nitrite, nitrate for cycling tank; pH just in case, TDS meter is helpful.
  
  Good to have: a piece of clear acrylic tubing for picking up uneaten food, this shrimp net. Scissors are up to you, I'm pulling apart my mosses by hands.

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ByE8AbA5JE4AM

Best advice is to take your time and buy what will make you happy. You'll only spend more money in the long run if you compromise now. Luckily, not everything needs bought at once. Tank, filter, and heater are necessary purchases now. Lighting and decor can be figured out more slowly.

I can recommend what I'd get in your position.

If you're going to buy a kit, this is a good one. Personally, I like this heater, but they do sell a cheaper version. So, about $100 for the tank, heater, filter, and light.

If you want to buy the parts separately, you can get a 10 gallon tank for $10-$15 or cheaper checking craigslist. You'll also need some kind of lid to cover the tank. You can buy glass ones or some people get a piece of glass or acrylic cut to cover it. Tank + lid: $25-$30

Aquaclears are my favorite filters for my tanks, but you could use a sponge filter. You'd need an air pump for the sponge one. So, $20-$25 for a filter.

Real plants are nice, but not necessary. You can do fine with fake ones, just make sure the edges aren't sharp. If you do want plants, the Spec V light should be plenty for low light plants. If you want to buy the light separately, this or this would be fine. I've had a Nicrew one on my larger tank before and it's enough for low light plants.

Or you could just get a clamp on lamp from the store and a daylight bulb. That whole set up would be about $10.

Until you get a new set up, I would recommend water changes at least once a day, if not more. I would also strongly recommend buying a water testing kit.

^ This is correct.

Also, re: lights -

This little NiCrew light is only $18.99 and does wonders for lighting. It's sturdy, adjustable, super bright, has two modes (white and blue LEDs) and our plants grow like crazy under it.

We have two of them -- one on our 20G Long and one on one of our 10Gs, and we wouldn't trade them for the world.

No real advice on the decorations, but I purchased this light on Amazon a couple weeks ago and I love it! Not expensive at all either. NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Check this out. Those are my two 10 gallons with those lights. Plants are thriving. I also put the link to amazon. They are 40$ CAD for a 20-27 inch long. http://imgur.com/a/1SHR5DD / https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kkHIBb11K3QDF

I use NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 20 to 27 Inch, 11 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_25MvCbQTZWCRA
its a medium to high light it’s really good

I think something like below for your tank would be a good start. I would read reviews to make sure the intensity is right for yours to avoid algae problems.

The reason I recommend this route is it’s often the cheaper option for someone in your situation. I’ve noticed people sell their used equipments for well over 50% on this sub, and with shipping, you’re not getting any deals. There seems to be plenty of cheaper options nowadays besides something like a Finnex. But it wouldn’t hurt to ask, of course, especially if you come across a local hobbyist.

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 20 to 27 Inch, 11 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_LEmTBbM7Q1NBW

Got it all on amazon!

Filter

Light

Heater

Edit: You might want to go bigger on the heater than what I got. I think mine is good up to a 10g.

>T8 17W 6500,

I was having a similar issue with my 35 gallon and went with a NiCrew LED and now my plants are growing like crazy. This is the one I got: https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=11WLM4KQ8OGN2&keywords=aquarium+led+light+30+inch&qid=1551111987&s=gateway&sprefix=aquarium+led%2Caps%2C159&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Let the downvotes rain on me for this...I've had nothing but good luck with my cheapos from Amazon. I have them on almost all of my planted tanks and love them. Depending on the height off the substrate will depend on whether it's good for low, medium or high light plants.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01ID3OK3S/ref=sxts_bia_sr1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492993693&sr=1

bough this just now
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID3OK3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

NICREW Deluxe LED Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum LED Light for Planted Tanks, 20 to 24-inch, 18-Watt, 1200 LM, 7500K https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LJKNWS?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

Just bought this for a 10g I'm setting up. It's super crisp and relatively cheap. If you have a rimless tank the supports will sit nicely on it.

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Spectrum-Planted-24-inch/dp/B071LJKNWS

I run this light on my 10 gallon heavy planted tank and it works really well.

https://i.imgur.com/XvtWfJw.jpg

Milwuake co2 5lb tank set up


Lighting, the best light I’ve used for my planted tanks is NICREW Freshwater LED Aquarium Light, Ultra Bright LED Fish Tank Light with White and Blue LEDs, 20 to 24 inch in Length, 18W https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B071LJKNWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_j6g6BbY0GB86W very important get the metal housing one in this link I’ve used the plastic housing nicrew lamp but the metal one is FAR better for growth

And trust I’ve used many many many lights
DIY lamps,
smart bulbs,
CFL,
5000k+ LED bulbs,
Finnex planted plus,
Fluval planted plus,
Metal nicrew,
Plastic nicrew,
And Marine land planted light


I’m sure others have had luck with other lighting, but the metal nicrew light is the best that I’ve personally used.

I am currently using the Fluval 45 gram CO2 cartridges. It is a lot of work to manually adjust the CO2 regulator every day. I don't really recommend it.

Here is a link to my light: https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Asta-20-Dimmable-Freshwater/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=K9MI0MA1VWCI&keywords=lominie+led+aquarium+light&qid=1562990688&s=gateway&sprefix=lominie+%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-3

​

Here is the link to the diffuser: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074MLT716/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

This light gets really hot so try to be careful if you are doing water changes if the light has been on for a while.

What are your goals? Assuming some corals since you're on reeftank.

I'd recommend this light for a budget light and when you can get a second one to help with spread.

https://www.amazon.com/HIPARGERO-LED-Aquarium-Light-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524555372&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=hipargeo

Nicrew classic led plus.

NICREW ClassicLED Plus LED Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light for Freshwater, 18 to 24-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7391M2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_BbdkDbH6TRE7B

Make sure you get the correct size

Here are some links for the product in the above comment for different countries:

Link: http://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Mini-Power-Compact-Lamp/dp/B004QSV8XK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377709799&sr=8-1&keywords=fluval+compact+light


|Country|Link|
|:-----------|:------------|
|UK|amazon.co.uk|
|Canada|amazon.ca|



This bot is currently in testing so let me know what you think by voting (or commenting).

Okay for sure, but 6 Watt LED light like the one above produces about the same amount of light as your 13 Watt CFL. Also lights such as this one with just white and blue LEDs are also not very optimized for plant growth, so that might even be a slight downgrade.

I‘m tempted to say that a second light of the same type is your best bet is if you want more light. However, you don‘t have the the plants that would need that much light. Javaferns are generally slow growers and your floaters dim the light too. I would rather recommemd to remove your floaters, add a few more plants amd start to fertilize instead of getting a new light.

This is an etoliation station waiting to happen. I don't mean that in a mean way, I only know that from experience, my first pedro is like 20" tall and 1.5" in diameter. Chopping him next month.

Look into high intensity aquarium lights. This fluval PCL13w is my 'winter light' and it throws full spectrum light like a mofo. I had originally bought it for a tall 5gal aquarium and it was so intense I fought algae blooms for weeks.


I know that link says it's unavailable, they probably have a newer model.

Aquarium grow lights are generally overpowered pieces of awesome due to the fact that they need to penetrate so much water for their intended purposes.

I'm extremely happy with my Current USA LED+ fixture. Seems to be doing OK for my anubias, not sure about other plants.

Had someone ask for an inventory list and thought I'd post it up here for visibility.

Coralife Biocube 14 - $199

Lighting System - $141

• 2x Ecoxotic Panorama Pro 16w 8000k LED modules
  
• Two-Way DC Splitter
  
• 60w 24v AC-DC power supply
  
• Current USA Single Channel Ramp Timer
  
  Filtration System - $122
  
  
• EHEIM Jager 50w Heater
  
• InTank BioCube 14 Media Basket
  
• Poly Filter Floss
  
• Seachem Purigen
  
• Seachem Matrix
  
• Seachem Filter Media Bag
  
• Hydor Flo Rotating Water Deflector
  
  Arline System - $32
  
  
• Tetra 77853 Whisper Air Pump
  
• Topfin Two-Way Metal Gang Valve
  
• Lee's Sleek Airline Tubing
  
• Jardin Suction Cup Clips
  
  Decor - $140
  
  
• Penn Plax Real-Scapes 20x12
  
• Marineland Silicone
  
• CaribSea Eco-Complete 20 lbs Black
  
• Driftwood
  
• Rocks
  
  Flora - $114
  
  
• Chilensis (Sagittaria platyphylla)
  
• Cardinal Plant (Lobelia cardinalis)
  
• Dwarf Pennywort (Hydrocotyle sibthorpiodes)
  
• Narrow Leaf Chain Sword (Echinodorus tenellus)
  
• Kleiner Bar Sword (Echinodorus barthii x Echinodorus uruguayensis hybrid)
  
• HC Cuba (Hemianthis callitrichoides 'Cuba')
  
• Crypt Parva (Cryptocoryne parva)
  
• Christmas Moss (Vesicularia montagnei)
  
• Frogbit (Limnobium laevigatum)
  
  Fauna - $46
  
  
• 30x Malaysian Trumpet Snails
  
• 16x neon tetras
  
• Male betta splendens
  
  Tools - $12
  
  
• API Algae Scraper Extra Long (Glass)
  
• Fluval Flora Stainless Steel Planting Tongs

one of the best setups I've ever seen had roughly 5-6 500+gallon tanks.. beautifully colored and amazing corals. The guy sells them and grows them for research.

I asked him what lighting he was using.. expecting him to say some god awefully expensive lights.

He told me to buy this granted, the auction is done, but search the same thing... its very affordable and very powerful.

I did not have room to hang it from above, so I opted to get THIS instead. It works pretty awesome. everything is growing nicely, but if I were to do it again, maybe a more powerful one.


also, having bought about 5 different circulation pumps for my 20g. some loud, some suck, some are huge.. don't waste your time, just go for this I found it to be the best.. super quiet and magnetic

the tank measures 24" tall, would this by chance be decent enough? or what would you recommend with out breaking the bank?

I have the 30" Planted+ on a 20g long, it fits perfectly.

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HSC6

They're really crappy lights. Low output and you have to buy two additional bulbs just to get them to medium output.

Get a Finnex Planted+ instead. You'll be glad you did.

Sure thing! Here's a list of the main equipment:

Lighting - Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights

Light Risers - OEM FINNEX LIGHT RISERS FITS PLANTED+, RAY2, FUGERAY, ETC.

Filter - EHEIM Classic 250

Co2 - Tank / Diffuser / Drop Checker

Heater - EHEIM Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater

Addon - Finnex Breeder Box with Light

Put an ad in your local classifieds saying you're looking for aquarium plant trimmings. A lot of people throw their's out and would be more than happy to give a few away.

You can also get a timer for your lights for like $4 at walmart and I think around the same at home depot/lowes. Makes life a lot easier.

The picture you have is of the light housing, I'm curious as to which bulb you have in it. Some say you want at least 1-1.5 watts per gallon, but for what you're doing I'd say just find a plant-growing bulb that will fit your housing. Or if you want to do it right, I definitely recommend finnex planted+ lights though a lot of beginners don't want to drop ~$100 on a light.

One more thing that will be a lot easier to do now compared to later: put a 1 to 1.5 inch layer of miraclegro organic potting mix below your gravel. Your plants will grow like crazy after that and the right light.

+2 for the Fugeray (mine's the 16") - it rests well right over the opening in the lid.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HSC6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1417812192&sr=8-1&keywords=Finnex+FugeRay+Planted%2B+Aquarium+LED+Light+Plus+Moonlights

I felt a little silly at first spending so much on a light (I'm still new to all of this) but good lawdy there's a huge difference in the quality of light between what came with the V and the Fugeray. I'm still cycling but the plants are off to the races under the new lighting.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE

This is what I use on my 3 gallon half moon.

I have two Finnex Stingray Clips to sell. I don't know how it would work as a replacement for the Edge lighting, but one would get you to low lighting on a standard 10G and two should be medium to medium-high together on the 10G.

What sort of wood are you looking for?

https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Mopani-Driftwood-Small-9-8/dp/B001URR3CA/

and light

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-StingRAY-Clip-Light-Aquarium/dp/B00LMH10HC/

Finnex Clip Light

Hm you want to keep it low light? Try a Finnex Stingray clip light
or I have this and I like it grows the buce and moss pretty well. Up Aqua 3C Series

Do you want to upgrade up to a better light? I like the upaqua pro z series led I know this light is longer than your tank. But with some google you can find the correct size. I think I have a 12 inch z series on my 10g.

Here let me price out a decent tank for you.

10 dollars for a 10 gallon tank, dollar per gallon sale at petco

20 dollars for a heater, This one will work with a 10 gallon

10 dollars for sand It's only 5 pounds though so you may need two

30 dollars on a filter, This is on the expensive side, there are much cheaper you could do.

45 for a light. This is a plant light, it can grow plants, you can go cheaper if you don't want to grow plants

After that your only cost is your pets. Aquatics is a expensive hobby but with this set up you could easily do a betta. If you want to skip the heater you could do some shrimp or some other subtropical fish. Filter can be downsized too, I personally like to go with a stronger filter. Light could also be fairly cheap, it's a light to see your animals if you don't wish to use it to grow plants. That's my go to when setting up a new tank.

I'm running the 20 inch Finnex Stingray. I was worried it would be too low light but it seems to be working fine. I also get a couple hours of indirect ambient light from outside hitting the left side of the tank.

I also use a siesta light cycle. I use a timer to turn the lights on between 7am and noon, off from noon to 4:00 and then on again from 4-9pm. Helps keep the c02 levels up and algae down.

Substrate is about 3/4" miracle grow organic choice potting mix, and about an inch of spectrastone gravel.

And no dosing. The dirt does the work.

Finnex Stingray Aquarium LED Light, 20-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAFQ6FK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_Hx9aYepIqhl9o

Spectrastone Special Black Aquarium Gravel for Freshwater Aquariums, 25-Pound Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002DHKI0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_mZuyBmBB33TVi

Miracle-Gro 72986510 Organic Choice Potting Mix, 16-Quart (currently ships to select Northeastern & Midwestern states) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BQLVNI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_1xxL3WbowmVhP

Many people here, including myself, get awesome results using finnex lights. Their Stingray is designed for low-light setups.

We've had customizable LED lights like this one in the aquarium hobby for years. Their entire job is to simulate natural light as best as possible. The one I linked specifically can mimic lighting from throughout the whole day. Would something like this be able to be jerry-rigged to work for photography?

Finnex makes a 30" light.
Amazon Link

Edit: It does come with little legs, but the light could be used without the legs.

Stumbled upon some new info on these lights.
A new video preview was posted on Finnex's FB page:
http://youtu.be/UJsYweqNtig
AND Amazon has these listed as pre-sales with a release date of May 15th!
http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMWLI

Are the lights built into the tank cover or are they separate pieces? And why do you want to go to an LED? Aesthetics? Plants?

IF you found a screw-in type bulb as /u/orangeisthebestcolor found, you're going to be stuck with one light, one intensity, one color, on or off. There's no moonlight or sunset with a light like that, only high noon and pitch black midnight.

For the features you are wanting, a light like the Finnex Planted+ 24/7 is what would work best. It's not inexpensive, but it does a pretty ok job of providing a 24 hour light cycle. You can search for a glass top to replace the hood that you're removing, they're really inexpensive - I think I paid around $50 for my 24"x48" glass tops.

Awesome. Thanks for such a comprehensive response. I like the idea of the 6500k bulbs from Amazon, but do you think it is worth spending a bit more and getting something automated like this?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMX1C/?tag=aqualedlight-20

I think you'll probably want 2 of these. I'm not confident 1 would be strong enough for hair grass.

Also, you'll be wanting some pressurized co2 to get nice healthy compact growth at a speed that will cover the substrate in a few months.

You're looking at spending another few hundred dollars before you can achieve what you want.


I suggest you head over to /r/plantedtank and ask them for a bit more input. I've never really had much success with hairgrass.


In terms of achieving the aquascape you've linked, I'd suggest you watch a few of Amano's videos on youtube. Take note of how, and how many rocks he uses.

VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control 165W LED Aquarium Light Dimmable Full Spectrum for Coral Reef Grow Fish Tank https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_SY2PCb160WSN7



Two of these would be good then?

IF you plan on getting root tabs I'd recommend finding someone on a forum selling osmocote root pellets, they're a lot cheaper and a lot less mess than say flourish root tabs. If you have shrimp and you are dosing nutrients, be it EI or other ferts like the picture you posted be careful with how much iron you dose because it can kill shrimp, same with copper.

I used this light on my 2.5 gallon and it worked pretty well, it should work fine for a 5 gallon as well.

Well, I'm no lighting expert by any means, but this is the light I ended up putting on my small tank:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004QSV8XK/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_H7hjub0T3NGZW

It says it's recommended for tanks of 4-8 gallons, and the bulb is fluorescent. Everyone on here is always saying how fluorescent trumps LED and such, so that's what I went with. I've only had it a week, so I can't speak for longevity or effectiveness, though.

Dunno why my plant went from being bright green, to only new growth being bright green and bottom leaves/stem browning/melting. I suspect is low K. Not sure if the stems will bounce back or if I should cut my losses and replant the tops. Any advice?

• 3 gal Betta tank
  
• Amm: 0
  
• 'trites: 0
  
• 'trates: 15-20 ppm
  
• Dosing: 1.5x dose Excel daily, ProFito for trace 3x a week
  
• Light: 13 watt Fluval compact floro 8 hours a day

I replaced it with a Current Satellite LED+. The standard lighting isn't really sufficient to grow much in the way of plants. Some mosses and some very low light plants are probably your best bet if you keep the stock light.

finnex stingray

If you want a little more light/features and ability to grow a little more in a low tech, I recommend the Current USA satellite+, it's what I use on my 10gal.

If you're wanting to go LED, Finnex and Current USA have some reasonably priced options for planted tanks.

Finnex Planted+ 24/7

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMX1C/ref=pd_lpo_199_bs_t_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GM7WVDS69NC1XTGSX537

Current USA Satellite LED+

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E

Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED +
And Timer (sold separately)

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418682203&sr=8-1&keywords=current+usa&pebp=1418682189836

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Single-Timer-Aquarium/dp/B00FDV1AFA/ref=pd_bxgy_petsupplies_img_y

This is the set up I use for my tank, it still comes on even at the lower light fairly suddenly, but not matter what you do from no light to light will be sudden. If you have the spending money, I'd do the Satellite Freshwater LED + Pro (new model) It has some cool new features the Plus doesn't have. It includes the timer, and auto switches to a moonlight mode after sunset.

Here's a video, if the link doesn't work right, start at just around 1 minute in.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmhv8mtcz98

Good luck!

Current USA satellite Pro Plus or Current USA's ELOOP systems.


https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Plus-Light/dp/B00QVHJQD8

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7OTF9E/

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-4107-60-Orbit/dp/B01M5E1MS0/

I'd say you could get good growth with planted plus if it's only 17.5 and grow most plants. But Ray2 would be better for higher light needing plants. Is your substrate 5.5 inches? That's really deep. If it was me I might go Ray2. People really like the current plus never used it myself but could be an option. Both the Current + and Planted + have really nice features too.

I use a Current USA Satelite Freshwater LED Plus and really like it.


I've also seen a lot of ppl suggest this Nicrew light as well for a more budget friendly light.

I use mainly LED lights on my tanks. I have had the best luck growing plants with these lights on 29g tanks:

finnex planted plus

finnex stingray

current USA LED freshwater

DIY LED flood light

I have also used clamp shop lights from lowes and the great value daylight led bulbs

I have the same marineland light setup on one of my 29g tanks and it is barely enough to keep a ball of hair algae alive.

Currently using a friends light that he’ll need back soon, offered it until I get one myself.

Came across the current usa satellite freshwater led plus and seen mostly good reviews. Any input on this light or others with medium light (doing low tech so no need for too intense) and reasonable price.

Tank is a 20g long with AquaClear 30 filter. Using Excel for plants and Topica Aquarium Powder Soil.

yup

I bought this one off Amazon. Definitely not disappointed. I'll try to get a better video later tonight.

I also bought this with it too. Instead of just turning on the lights, it slowly increases the brightness to full in a window of 15 minutes from the time you set to on and slowly dims the lights off in the off time, again in a 15 minute window.

This might end up being an unpopular opinion, but if you're doing a LPS tank the Orbit Marine LED series by Current USA is a good option. I switched over to it from a basic Aqueon LED (which was useless), and my corals are doing great now. They're fairly cheap, and come with full customization as far as color spectrum and time controls.

To be fair, this is just my first saltwater tank, but I'd say a noticeable boost in coral growth less than a month after switching lights says something about the new light system.

Here's a link to the light I got on Amazon, they come in a bunch of different sizes: https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Marine-Aquarium-36-Inch/dp/B00GFTNG3S

maybe? i don't personally know any reefers that use finnex LEDs, but i know finnex is a good brand. Below are a couple lights id recommend.

GalaxyHydro

AI Prime and it's on sale!

Kessil A80

nanobox more expensive

Asta 20 (never used it, but amazon has good reviews)

Current LED will grow softies and lowlight LPS

OVERALL

skipping out on lighting is not wise. everything in the hobby revolves around lights and water quality. i have an AI prime and love it. did it cost more, yes, but its totally worth it. That being said, i had the galaxyhydro for several years when i was starting out. it'll grow everything, but you'll need to figure out how to mount it/hang it. good luck!

I used the 24-36 inch one of these https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GFTNG3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pretty cheap and I have a full reef tank under it.

If your budget is $100, get some LEDs.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HSC6/

Check out r/plantedtank too.

I really like the way that glass hoods look. I think you can usually get them for a little cheaper at a petco/petsmart.

If you want to go super cheap look up diy cfl aquarium lighting. I have a Finnex planted + and love it, but they are a little pricy.

1. Stocking is fine as-is, although I suggest that you have more cories (1-2 more) and more loaches (1-2 more as well) as they are very social and look really cool in shoals. Also, dojo loaches get much larger than kuhlis so I'd suggest going with kuhlis. I think most gouramis would do fine, Pearl gouramis are my favorite :D
   
2. If you have the money, get a substrate that is intended for plants such as Flourite Sand or Eco-Complete. You can even use a planted tank substrate, and cover it with normal sand. Black Diamond sand is great (pool filter sand works fine too), just put it in a 5 gallon bucket and rinse it vigorously until the water runs clear. Put the sand in first, and then add the water slowly, pouring it on a plate or your hand so it doesn't kick up the sand.
   
3. You should get special lighting for plants, 6500k CFL Bulbs attached to metal reflectors work great as a budget-friendly option, or you can go with a T5 Fluorescent fixture, or an LED fixture. As far as plants, if you have decent lighting you can have almost anything. Anubias, Crypts, Swords, Java Fern, Java Moss, and Hornwort are all great plants that can be gently pushed into the substrate, or in the case of Anubias, Java Fern/Moss, attached onto a rock or driftwood. Duckweed, Water Lettuce, and Amazon Frogbit are all great floating plants that shade the water, provide hiding places for fish, and reduce nitrates.
   
4. Boil it, then soak until it becomes waterlogged enough to sink.

I've had good luck so far with the Finnex Fugeray Planted+ I am still pretty new to planted tanks as well, but this light has kept a ton of plants alive in my 55 Gallon, which has been going strong since mid January. Good Luck!

When I first got my 29g it had a light similar to that one. I managed to keep crypts and java moss alive, but anything else died. The plants didn't do well, they were barely surviving and it took months for them to grow even a little bit.

If you are interested in growing plants it is so much nicer to have the proper equipment/supplies and be able to grow whatever you want than to save a few bucks and hardly be able to grow anything.

I'm not sure what your budget is, but for $90 you can get a really nice light like this one: http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE.

Being a maker, I know it's hard to hear, but you're better off just buying something made for a planted tank. You really have to worry that the LEDs are in PAR range and cheapo high-wattage LEDs are often outright lies (see). I have a Finnex Planted Plus and it's great, but most importantly of all, it Just Works.

Finnex makes a great light. The FugeRay Planted Plus or Planted Plus 24/7 would seem to fulfill your needs. They are a bit pricy, but like you said, LEDs are worth it in the long run.

1)https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466983637&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+planted+plus+24+7

2)https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GH9HURE/ref=twister_B00HIE3M6U?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

3)http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/145-finnex/189944-finnex-ray-ii-fugeray-par-data.html

Here are links to the two lights I mentioned as well as PAR information for the FugeRay Light. Hope this helps! Cheers.

First of all thanks for the response.

Some of that article was a bit technical for my current understanding, but I think I see what they mean about hitting ranges that are beneficial for photosynthesis but not as much for algea - and the fact that visible light doesn't equate to a plants needs.

I took a look at the brand you mentioned and found one that specifically calls out the 660nm PAR.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE

Do you think the light above may suit my current needs? (36'')

I'd get a finnex clip on or the lower light one. Trying to carpet without co2 or high light is a bit a bollock, you won't really get the lawn effect you are looking for in low tech. You'll be able to keep the hair grass alive, but not the monte carlo

Yes? http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410527530&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+clip+light
Includes Finnex's 660nm reds which are beneficial for photosynth.

>My husband gave me an Amazon gift card for my birthday so that I can upgrade my planted tank.

Is this what married people do?

All joking aside, The light that comes with it isn't too good, but should probably work with low-light plants. If you want something that will grow most plants, you can check out a small clip-on like this. https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469052287&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+clip+on

No, generally speaking, any LED lights included with a starter kit will not be enough to keep plants alive. They just don't have nearly enough power, or the correct spectrum that plants require for photosynthesis. All they do is light up the tank and it's inhabitants.

If you're looking at a ~5gal tank and want to house low to medium light plants, I would suggest you snag one of these up at a $35 sale price right now:

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=sr_1_4?m=A3E5ELDKVG03PY&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1411003284&sr=1-4

Nice thing is it clips on, so your tank size doesn't matter too much.

No heater, fairy shrimp do not need it. They will do fine from 50F to 100F.

Right now I have a finnex fugeray planted+ clip light on there... But it's bigger than the tank itself, so I'm going to either make a custom light or swap it out with the Mightray so it won't look as goofy.

I have the same Exo Terra that I set up in November. Once you get the substrate in there, you're going to need tiny plants as even many miniatures will look huge and take up lots of room. I have these species in mine: Bulb. catenulatum, Dendrochilum quadrilobium, E. polybulbon, Den. oligophyllum, Haraella retrocalla and a jewel orchid I can't remember (that will out grow the tank). I also have Pilea glauca and Peperomia meridiana. The Pilea forms a beautiful mat and grows quickly - I really recommend it. The Peperomia also needs frequent pruning. I also bought some cheap live sheet moss off eBay to provide accents - however, if you are patient- moss will grow in without much seeding. I light it with this: Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Clip Light but you could probably easily light it for a cheaper DIY set up.

Genera you should check out are Dryadella, Porroglossum, Scaphosepalum, Masdevalli, Lepanthes, Pleurothallis, Bulbophyllum, Phalaenopsis, Schoenorchis, Encyclia, Epidendrum, Dendrobium, Aerangis and Restrepia - there are some super minis in all these groups and most have some members that are tolerant of a wide range of conditions or, at least, wherever your conditions fall.

When I am planning out a terrarium and the species I want in it, I typically start at Andy's Orchids and used his power search feature to find miniatures within my conditions. Then I end up trying to find images of them that show the whole plant size - one person's miniature does not necessarily line up with mine so I want a visual.

I'm going to guess it's a finnex like the one I have.
http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1415809815&sr=1-1&keywords=finnex+clip

[This one] (https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=pd_aw_sim_199_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00LIL7YPE&pd_rd_r=25ce5c9e-e267-11e8-8349-9126162516c7&pd_rd_w=hldgy&pd_rd_wg=Jz5r5&pf_rd_i=mobile-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=57b46099-d750-4d74-83ee-63ad64b310a4&pf_rd_r=JJ92WT8SGYJ1YY6N57MC&pf_rd_s=mobile-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=JJ92WT8SGYJ1YY6N57MC) if you are really wanting to get into plants if not [this one] (https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-StingRAY-Clip-Light-Aquarium/dp/B00LMH10HC) will do fine.

My betta is in an aqueon 5 gallon tank with an Aquaclear 20 filter and an Eheim Jager 25W heater. Water parameters at perfect 0/0/<5.

I also have a Finnex Planted+ clip-on light, but unless you're growing live plants, it might be too much light.

this was my first tank. i like the tetra cube a lot but i eventually upgraded because i wanted more space. from my experience the LED was not bright enough for plants, so i ended up buying a Finnex Fugeray clip. The one I have is not on amazon anymore but I think this is a better version.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-StingRAY-Clip-Light-Aquarium/dp/B00LMH10HC

This will be the perfect match for low-light plants.

I personally have this:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIL7YPE

It worked very well for my 5g Fluval Chi with Java moss, dwarf hairgrass, micro swords, hornwort, and bladderwort.

I'm currently using it on a 20g long and the growth from my micro swords, anubias nana, Java moss, Java ferns, and wild bacopa is excellent. I keep it about 6" from the surface of the water. Some brown diatoms have formed directly below it on a piece of dead coral, but that's probably from a combination of recently cycling and a long photoperiod.


As long as you have a relatively short photoperiod or break up the photoperiod to "confuse" the algae, you should be fine. Flourish Excel definitely helps, as does hornwort if you don't mind it floating around.

Finnex fugeray, however if you want something cheaper than get one of those clip on lamps and use a cfl 6500k bulb

Your link didnt work for me but heres this Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, Cliplight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RIksybPM0Y77A

Here is the desktop version of your link

Yeah, I don't know how it'd do with the depth of your tank, but it's definitely a sleek clean look.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE

I have a very expensive (relatively) set of LEDs on my 55 gallon that made my plants absolutely explode. They're called Finnex Fugeray Planted+ and a clip bar for the Chi would cost about 40 dollars and would keep up with the stylish design.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LIL7YPE/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1417778326&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

The thing to keep in mind when considering LEDs are the pros to having them. You don't suffer from "bulb deterioration", where the bulb's potential is lost halfway through its life, you have no replacement bulb costs, and they consume less energy. There is only one real con to LEDs, a set of good lights are much more expensive than bulbs. I say it is worth it though, almost two years on my LEDs and I've had to do nothing to maintain them.

That's funny you mention that one. It's actually the one that caught my eye, and I was thinking about getting it, that or this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LIL7YPE/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_3?colid=2AS5E63OAVV3S&coliid=I29EFJYPYW51PL

Finnex StingRAY LED Clip Light for Aquarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMH10HC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_kIAGyb1VZFDRC

That would work, you won't need a plant specifically for planted tanks but I wouldn't get something crazy cheap either.

The type/wattage of the light depends entirely on what you plan on using the tank for. If it's just a couple fish and low light plants, a simple inexpensive clip on from amazon would work fine.

Something like this would be fine.

I used the finnex stingray clip on light and the Azoo palm filter, if you're interested.

Get the biggest tank you can. This filter: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9821 is what you want. Same as the one you linked but foster and smith have it for 7 bucks. Dont get a "dumb" heater like you linked, get an auto t stat filter, otherwise youll have trouble keeping a steady temp. Shrimp dont do well with temp swings. I have this small light: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LMH10HC?pc_redir=1413694649&robot_redir=1 and my plants grow just fine in a low tech setup.

I'm not a fan of the gravel either but I used what I had on hand when I first set up the tank to cycle, would it be worth it to change it out or would that be a massive pain in the ass?

As for another centerpiece plant what would you recommend? Right now I'm just using a clip on desk lamp for light with a 4100k cfl in there I have this light coming in the mail.

If you just want light then you can go for whatever cheap lights you want. LED's are cheaper electricity wise, and without live plants you can go for normal white.

Something like this would be a very cheap and good solution if you don't care much about aesthetics and you're willing to build a mount. You won't have a moonlight for night though, but as long as the room isn't completely dark at night it should be ok.

If you want an all in one solution then this is about twice as much (you want the 36 inch one) but it's very low profile and comes with a moonlight.

The cheapest possible solution would be 1 or 2x of these mounts which you can get bulbs in the 4-6 dollar range, like these. If you tank will be sparsely ornamented then one would work ($12 is cheap as hell to light a 29g) but it won't be lit brightly and it will cast shadows and you'll have a lot of light pollution in your room.

Finnex Stingray is a great option.

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Stingray-Aquarium-Light-20-Inch/dp/B00NAFQ6FK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493672499&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+stingray

Finnex Stingray (if $40 is what you consider cheap).

I was able to snag an aquarium friendly sponge from the PetCo by me. Yeah just stay away from the carbon lol. If one day you need carbon you can throw a little bit of carbon in a stocking in the filter.

Here is the [light I used] (https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484759496&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+planted+plus+24+7).

For square lights, there aren't too many designed like that "as is". The only one that comes to mind is the Radion freshwater LED light, which I don't recommend as I don't think it pushes enough PAR for the price.

Another option is to use a Kessil A360WE Tuna Sun (their freshwater light) and then build a DIY plywood cube around the light cannon (a mini-canopy of sorts) and paint it black or whichever color you like. Make sure you get the W option for the wide optics lens.

If you can forego the square light, I highly recommend Finnex lights (as do many others on this sub). For a tank 16 inches deep but with about 12 inches to substrate, you could probably do a planted+ 24/7 and get close to high light. The 24/7 also can be dimmed if you notice the light is too strong for that depth which to me is invaluable.

Finnex's brightest light is the RAY II, but it may be too much light for a tank with a max depth of 12 inches to substrate.

most expensive stuff was actually the stupid aquasoil.. no one locally was carrying the fluval stratum anymore, so i got stuck dropping 20 bucks per 4 lb bag. I refuse to use eco complete ever again. Most expensive stuff will be the light and the regulator, going LED and larger tank is more expensive at first, but you save money in the long run

• regulator - 119 + 15 shipping i believe (found a coupon code - platned20 i believe) http://www.co2art.co.uk/products/professional-aquarium-co2-dual-stage-regulator-with-advance-swiss-solenoid-and-smc-valve
  
  
• 5lb co2 tank - 90 Filled, 15 dollars per fill (every6-8 months at 2 bubbles per second) - local gas supplier (oxygen supply co. - check welding supply, resturant supply stores, medical supplies)
  
  
• co2 tubing - 10 bucks (not crucial) https://www.amazon.com/AQUATEK-CO2-Proof-Tubing-16-Feet/dp/B008UCOFJW/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1473970795&sr=1-2&keywords=co2+tubing
  
  
• finnex planted+ 24/7: https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1473970617&sr=1-2&keywords=finnex%2Bplanted%2Bplus&th=1 You can find alternate lights, i just was torn between this and the fluval aquasky / plant light
  
  
• glass diffuser - 6.00 https://www.amazon.com/S-T-International-Aquarium-Glass-Diffuser/dp/B00I47YVVU/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1473970285&sr=8-10&keywords=co2+diffuser
  
  
• bubble counter 4.00 https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-88g-CO2-Bubble-Counter-Ounces/dp/B004GCPM6K/ref=pd_bxgy_199_2?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B004GCPM6K&pd_rd_r=K54X5Q0VQ1P3FTY6E8KV&pd_rd_w=dv9SA&pd_rd_wg=Ef6cf&psc=1&refRID=K54X5Q0VQ1P3FTY6E8KV
  
  
• drop checker - 10
  not convinced at these being accurate at all https://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Dioxide-Monitor-Solution-Indicator/dp/B01C9DGXV0/ref=sr_1_6?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1473971368&sr=1-6&keywords=co2+drop+checker
  
  
• drop checker solution - 8 https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-CO2-Indicator-Solution-0-34/dp/B0052UAL7U/ref=sr_1_9?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1473971368&sr=1-9&keywords=co2+drop+checker
  
  
• canister filter (personal pref) ~100 - https://www.bigalspets.com/eheim-classic-series-canister-filters.html (I got one on sale at petco for 90 bucks - national geographic cf70 uv - discontinued)
  
  
• seachem/ aqua vitro aquasolum - 1lb per gallon roughly @ 19 bucks a 4lb bag
  
  
• decent check valve for co2 - 3 bucks
  
  not going to go into the various other crap i bought so totaling it all up ... (preparing to wince)
  
  ---
  About $575 after tax/shipping/lube.
  
  with the stuff i got that is now in a bin for being crap... tack on about another 150-200 bucks (aquatek regulator/ paintball sytem)

I've heard nothing but good things about finnex lights. I was also in the market for an led strip and researched for a couple days before purchasing one. I went with the finnex planted it has a 24/7 day/night cycle which is awesome in my book.
Heres a link if you're interested:
https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=s9_simh_gw_g199_i1_r?_encoding=UTF8&fpl=fresh&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=&pf_rd_r=61C6JK3C2YA922GZZ7ZT&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=a6aaf593-1ba4-4f4e-bdcc-0febe090b8ed&pf_rd_i=desktop

I had the current light on a 36 g bow-front. It didn't produce enough light for my swords and anubias. I switched to the finnex planted plus and had better growth. I'm going to add c02 to my setup this weekend. Hopefully the finnex will be sufficient for a high tech, if not I'll add the current and run two fixtures.

Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED, Controller, 30 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rxvxzbRBVY6C4

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI

i would use this one instead. the fugeray wont penetrate fully to the depth of that tank.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1453563046&sr=1-1&keywords=finnex

Low light plants

Really nice light (assuming this is a 29 gallon?)

OK Light

I would say the Finnex Planted+ 24/7. It really looks great, cheap, and does an amazing job for my tank.

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478708015&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+planted+plus+24+7

Hey thanks for taking the time. Are you referring to this Fluval or a different one? You've mentioned a pressurized CO2, can you point me out to a good resource on this? Or something that you would recommend? Although I have a 10 gallon planted tank with DIY CO2, I'm sure that that is totally different from a pressurized one.

Thanks again. Much appreciated.

I believe the new model is out that allows for controlling them separately.

Edit: just pre-order for may. http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMX1C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425579837&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+planted%2B+24+7

I've actually put my 4 Female bettas in the tank today, tomorrow I'll add my shrimp
Tank specs: 48"Long x 17"Tall x 15" Wide Anymore questions let me know.
Co2 Set up links. http://www.ebay.com/itm/330924682316?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271861946294?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005MLTRR4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Light
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U0HMX1C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and 4 Bags of https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00519832W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is the mobile version of your link

Finnex Planted+ 24/7 on Amazon preorder.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U0HMX1C/

For reference it hasn't been this cheap on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_hdsHAbSE3C8K3

Similar, but the one I use has one plug instead of two, and has a timer function.

https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Timer-165W-Aquarium-Dimmable/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=viparspectra+reef&qid=1558817465&s=gateway&sr=8-3

No flow on the zoas, or atleast 0 to none lol.
29g
2 ocellaris clowns and 1 banggai. 2 nassarius snails (need more CuC)

Light is : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9CLWBbGF6F2CT

For under 260, you can get two of the VIPARSPECTRA 165W led’s. I know many people w them and they will grow just about anything.

VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control 165W LED Aquarium Light Dimmable Full Spectrum for Coral Reef Grow Fish Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_CAkOAbNFCS25S

I used two of these:

https://www.amazon.com/MarsAqua-Dimmable-165W-LED-Aquarium/dp/B017GWDF7E/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?adgrpid=56382305472&hvadid=274706043089&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1023626&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16572463934659516384&hvtargid=kwd-299354600613&keywords=marsaqua&qid=1554475843&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1

Kind of a hassle though unless you have an apex or other controller because they don’t come with a timer and each fixture would take up two plugs because blue and white run on separate plugs.

If I had to do it all over again I’d get two of these because of the built in timer

https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Timer-165W-Aquarium-Dimmable/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?adgrpid=56382305472&hvadid=274706043089&hvdev=m&hvlocphy=1023626&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=16572463934659516384&hvtargid=kwd-299354600613&keywords=marsaqua&qid=1554475915&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Would I be able to get away with one of these? https://www.amazon.ca/VIPARSPECTRA-Timer-165W-Aquarium-Dimmable/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1526060598&sr=1-1&keywords=viparspectra

What are the tank dimensions/size? You could get one of these but you need to buy a timer for it. Stability is very important and having a timer will let you set it and forget it which will help your coral. I’ve never used one of these but depending on your tank size it might work fine. It would grow Softies and LPS but may struggle with SPS

A better option is a 165w Viparspectre AKA black box led. This light has individual timers for your blue light and white lights. I prefer this light over the other one as it can grow all kinds of corals without issues. Having individual timers also helps you turn your blues on before your whites come on.

For reference my blues come on two hours before my white lights come on. When my whites turn off my blues stay on for two more hours before turning off completely.

Heres the light im using and its on sale, so this is a good idea if you ask me!

No problem! If you're interested in a planted tank, this light is really affordable , fits well on a 12" cube, and has been growing my (easy mode) plants well. (Link is to Amazon Canada)

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_x2euDbDRFK25S

Nicrews are pretty good for the money. I've got one on a 20 long that grows high light plants. Sponge filters are also pretty good.

I don't know about filters. I've got a DIY canister on my 20, but it cost about as much to make as the cheapest store bought model and one of those might be a bit much for a 5 gallon. Plus you need to put the pump somewhere. If you want to look into DIY filters, here is the instructions on the canister I have. That guy has a ton of DIY filter tutorials too. Something like this would probably be better for a smaller tank.

This one: NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/

My money's on this light from Amazon, as /u/Gredival said, it's sold under many different names, chinese.manufactured LED. The nicrew on Amazon has loads of good reviews tho and at a price that's not too painful at all.

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AiKZAbAGYQ19B

crocs Unisex Classic Clog, Black,... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07236CXBQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

NICREW LED Aquarium Light, Fish... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0191EWII2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I have this one and works great on a 10 gal

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light Extendable Brackets, White Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eL36BbFGJ8D1P

And for the filter I always go with hang in the back I had a corner one but my Betta got stuck in there and so did a couple of neons

This one? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_7I1lzbDRETJ8A

If yeah, what size?

OK, Im just going to list a bunch of stuff I've purchased through this process. Nothing is in any particular order.

Almond leaves (for tannin) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LKTX4VC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Moss - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0035Q65TQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Cholla Wood - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H4FUMHY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Dried red Shrimp (Protein and Chitin) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0027JCRVW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Instant Ocean (1/3cup per Gallon) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000255NKA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ultrasonic Mister/Fogger (for DIY Fogger) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PAK21WU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Digital Temp Humidity Controller - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01I6BZ2IO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

LED White/Blue Light - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191EWII2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

UTH (You may need to get a different size and this isn't the most recommended, but it works for me currently) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TR4HLEI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (This one has adhesive on the back of it, so you just stick it on like a sticker.)

Cork Bark Board - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019J1VPY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Water Conditioner - https://www.amazon.com/Seachem-116043304-Prime-500ml/dp/B00025694O

If you have any questions, please feel free. To mitigate confusion I felt just listing this as a reference first is the best approach. If you are looking for a new tank so that you can get friends, i would suggest 30 or more gallons and work towards that instead of investing into the current tank which would get changed.

Personally with the 5 i have i clearly see they need much more room than the 15 gallon they have now. I am in the process of acquiring an 85-120 gallon tank for permanency. These guys can live 20+ years with the proper care and environment. but not everyone has that freedom. 30 is a totally doable size for 3 crabs. they can grow to jumbos and be fine in there, but im sure if they reach that stage you'll be looking for another tank. Jumbos need at least 12" of substrate for molting.

You basically just don't wanna provide so much light that it contributes to much to algae growth or a lighting set up that puts out a lot of heat and causes temperature swings.

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_VigeBb3N75SQV

I use this for some fish, a red algae plant and a star Polyp. Blue light mode is nice in the evening if you wanna look at your tank but not have lights going full blast. Also LED so low energy cost.

Yes, not as easy as that seems. For beginners they always say larger volume is better/the solution is dilution...
But, if you want to get a simple 5.5 gal going, you can definitely do it. I don't know where you are but in the states, they have kits, which I've only seen with a black plastic lid where the light is attached inside/under the lid. I got this once because it was on sale... and I ended up tossing the lid, buying a glass lid and light on amazon and it is a great set up now.
And depending on if your fish like water flow, you might get a different filter. So, here's an example:
Light from Amazon will fit on a 5 gal tank and is less than 20 quid): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191EWII2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Get a glass top if you can but be sure it fits (over here the topfin set tank didn't fit the aqueon lid I got!).
Don't know if you have Cobalt Aquatics 25 watt adjustable heater, but that's probably the best in that size that is adjustable. But I paid $40 for mine (although I just saw one on amazon for $25).
And you can choose between a sponge filter or a hang on back filter.
Pros for sponge are less turbulent water(unless you have really big bubbles)/Cons-it doesn't suck up any of the crud/mulm that might be in the tank... like I don't like the dust from the Catappa leaves (as they decay) I add to some tanks, so I don't like to use them in sponge filter tanks.
Pros for HOB filter, greater flow, can overfilter a tank allowing for a slightly higher bioload (like I have a filter for a 30 gal on a 10 gal that has Endlers livebearers 'cause they breed so prolifically and I have to sell them back to my LFS periodically so it's overstocked). And it sucks up mulm and shedded needles from hornwort and cabomba plants (unless I put a prefilter sponge on it). Cons--if you have baby shrimp or fry they would get sucked up without a prefilter sponge. All 3 of my 5.5 gallons have HOBs ranging from an Aqueon 10 for the fish that like flow to a small Deep Blue Nano filter for fish that don't like flow.

Hope this helps and sorry if it was too long!

I have two of these

It’s a JC&P LED I got off Facebook marketplace. Specs look similar to the Nicrew. It’s only white and blue LED.

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 18 to 24 Inch, 11 Watts https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ODszDbTTYH904

Aquarium heater

Aquarium filter

The glass tops come with a plastic adjustment backing, all you have to do is cut out pieces so that you only have space for your heater and filter in the back. I added a few other links that I hope you can access.

Plant Light

Glass lid

When I was buying a light for my 29g I was torn between the finnex stingray and the one I ended up purchasing which is a nicrew led light. It's done quite well growing my low light plants and the value for the price is pretty killer. For a 28"-36" led that actually grows plants for ~$40, it's not much of a risk. I recommend these every chance I get.

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO?th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Works really well, but be careful not to leave it on for too long. I had it on for seven hours every day on a timer when I left for vacation for five days and came back to a tank filled with algae. Other than that, it's a great light and I highly recommend it for the price :)

I just picked up this for a 10 gallon tank. Hits the medium light level really well.

Hey, I have a Nicrew, however mine looks a tad less dynamic.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So far (3 months) it's been working fine for LOW light needing plants. I've had to take a few plants out that needed more light, so be sure to research. For the shrimp, they are fine. I have 3 Ghost shrimp that I've had since the cycle was over (2-2 1/2) months with no problems and they are growing great. I'm actually surprised they've co-existed great with my rainbow shark. the 3 plants that are doing great for me with this light is Java Moss, Java Ferns, and Temple Plants. I also have micro-sword growing....however one took, and one didn't. Could be because of the light reaching the bottom. I have a 20G tall so my assumption is you'll be fine.

​

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That is way too bright. Could cause major algae growth too because of excess light

Edit: I would recommend one of these light strips off amazon. I have two and they work damn well. They also have a nightmode included which looks very pleasant

Try this one NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 28 to 36 Inch, 18 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S

I have a 5 gallon I’m selling with a light, heater, and HOB filter for $60 so definitely put your zip code! But before I upgraded my tank I had a simple sponge filter with air pump from amazon, a Nicrew light, and driftwood from a local store that cost me $10... in total my first set up was... air pump , sponge filter , Nicrew light (that was $14 when I got it...) and the tank $10, lid $10, driftwood $10= about $8”:) or you can do this HOB heater

Oh and for plants in this sub, there’s tons of people that sell good, tons of plants, good priced! I got TONS OF PLANTS for $20-$30 from bquad. But he isn’t the only one

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 30 to 36 Inch, 18 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_y.AZCbQX2JHXT

I think it’s this one I bought on amazon a few years ago. Not sure though.

Should you get into the hobby? Of course!

Should you buy the cheap bare tank instead of a normally priced starter kit? Probably.

You'll need an appropriately sized glass lid which is $29 at that link for a 40 breeder. You'll also need a heater ($15ish), most of that same basic design are equally (un)reliable so you could get two smaller ones to improve reliability compared to one large one, but don't worry about brand name.

Then a light, which ranges from $42 suitable for viewing and low-light plants up to a lot more money for high-light suitable LED fixtures.

Then water conditioner such as Prime ($13)

And food for $3-$20, too many choices for me to even suggest one.

Overall this gives a better experience than a starter kit due to higher quality and more versatile... everything. The consumables are also larger than the sample sizes included in kits, though those are big enough to last quite a while anyways. And the equivalent cost starter kit is probably a 30 gallon and this is larger. But the overall cost is $130ish which illustrates that those starter kits are actually a decent value, as well as being convenient.

Thank you for the tips. Will grab some root tabs for sure.

The light is:
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID3OK3S/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

75 liters. Long.

Just a standard 10g , The light is a Nicrew Deluxe 20-24”

NICREW BrightLED Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum Fish Tank Light for Planted Tanks, 18 to 24-inch, 18-Watt, 1200 LM, 7500K https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LJKNWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wOLPDbBAFV042

that’s the light I have on there. not the standard aquarium light the tank comes with.

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Spectrum-Planted-24-inch/dp/B071LJKNWS/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=nicrew+aquarium+light&qid=1554221216&s=gateway&sr=8-6

here's the new version of their brightest light for $25

Lominie LED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07236CXBQ?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Glosso Factory All in one Planted Aquarium Fertilizer, 16oz, with Balanced Micros and Macros, Easy to use, Treats 4,730 gallons https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0759VRZ6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apap_far7hCLRvszUJ

Seachem Flourish Excel Bioavailable Carbon - Organic Carbon Source for Aquatic Plants 500 ml https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000256962/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_cyP2DbCH8S7VF

I use the Flourish every day (1ml) and glosso Factory twice a week (1 pump).

Haha I think I bought the exact same bowl (bubble ball 12) yesterday and a super similar piece of spiderwood. That means we both have great taste.

What light are you using in that. I was thinking about using this light.

Does everything look super magnified in the bowl?

For a small jar/bowl like this, it can be relatively cheap depending on what you want!

The bowl was $20 at Michael's, though they're constantly having sales (and there's ones similar to this for cheaper elsewhere). I use a mini sponge filter (~$4) and a small 50w heater (~$10). Regular sand substrate would do fine, but you can always go for dirt and other substrates. I opted for Fluorite black sand with a regular sand cap. What makes or breaks it is 1. the light, and 2. whatever plants and things you want to put in. The light I'm using was ~$40
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_JmhSAb7CMQN8X) but works really well for a small planted tank. And depending on what plants you want, you can go crazy and develop a real plant-buying addiction, which I'm guilty of. Regardless, there are lots of cheap plants you can buy too! The plant in back (rotala) is relatively cheap.

For the light this one looks pretty good for a clip on Lominie Asta 20 Freshwater.

For the filter I will always recommend aquaclear for HOB, the aquaclear 20 would be a good fit.

Lominie LED Aquarium Light, Saltwater Freshwater Fish Tank Light for Coral, Planted Nano Aquarium Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_tYsQCb3ZYDJXD


This works great over my 5 gallon

The lights are available on Amazon, but I don't sell them.

I got this one from amazon. I like it and it’s dimmable. The knob to dim it is a little glitchy but as long as you’re not changing the intensity a lot it’s no big deal. It also works with a timer

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07236CXBQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1518460551&sr=8-6&keywords=planted+tank+light&dpPl=1&dpID=31Qyrdby1jL&ref=plSrch

It looks like it's under a different name now but it's the Asta 20 from Amazon. Kessil knockoff? Maybe. But good light for cheap.

Thanks! I planted dwarf hairgrass, pearlweed, anubias petite nana, Echinodorus Aflame, and some random moss that started growing. I have pretty thick layer of substrate (about 50mm / 2in) that is a mix of Fluval Stratum and some ADA amazonia. The tank set-up is a UNS 4.6 gallon, azoo mignon 60 HOB filter, asta 20 LED, and a paintball tank CO2 setup. I plan to add a small canister filter, but the HOB is doing alright for now.

There are several assorted shrimp in the tank, but Stuart seems to ignore them so far.

links

Light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07236CXBQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Tank:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LXFINHJ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

CO2 Regulator and parts:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XW16L4P/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009G68LTG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004M49QDC/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078KPCLMY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0100UO72G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Filter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005VEWCMO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Different than the stock tank.
HIPARGERO LED Aquarium Light – Aquarium LED Lights 30W Saltwater Lighting with Touch Control and 3W Cree Chips for Coral Reef Fish Nano Tank (New) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_v.YSCbYGVBAH8

Personally I use this light for my softy 10g tank turned up all the way.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0727V8C5Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1537831505&sr=8-6&keywords=reef+light+led&dpPl=1&dpID=41mSU8tVaNL&ref=plSrch

whoops forgot to mention that. its from amazon. link below

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0727V8C5Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ooh very interesting about the light. Could that be the cause of some of the tip burn (lights have been on for 16 hrs a day), or are cheaper grow lights not really strong enough to cause tip burn? I've been using a Nicrew aquarium light.

My pH is around 7.0 - 7.5, but I already have iron supplement (for aquascaping) that I am not using anymore, so I might as well use it.

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Spectrum-Freshwater/dp/B07F7391M2 I have this and it caused a lot of algae in my 8 gallon low tech, but allowed me to grow dope plants. And the algae went away in a couple of weeks. Great light.

It's a nicrew led light.
This one: https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B0191EWII2
The soil is just ordinary tropica aquasoil.
The white ''strip'' you see, is actually remnants of sand, which I switched out for coloured gravel. No unnatural barriers.

I’m not an expert by any means but I would shoot for a higher wattage. I have had a 10g terrarium with mosses that have done well for a few months though. The light you have is 1.5 watts which might not be enough for mosses, I found this one for a similar price that’s a bit more powerful (https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_sspa?keywords=16+inch+aquarium+light&qid=1565136350&s=gateway&sprefix=16+inch+aqu&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1)

What type of plants do you have/how many?

Two anubias nana, one anubias congensis, one banana plant, some java fern that I hate, two moss balls. I also ordered salvinia minima yesterday and will have it by probably Wednesday.

What type of light do you have?(need to know specs especially watts and kelvin)

I have this one. It is 6 watts.

What size tank is it?

It is 5.5 gallons.

Do you use fert?

I use one teaspoon of Aqueon Plant Food every other week and an Aqueon root tab every month.

Do you use CO2 or excel?

No.

How many fish do you have?

One betta. Two horned nerite snails.

What type of substrate do you have?

I have just some standard rocks.

What are your tank parameters?(I need to know everything ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, alkalinity, general hardness, ph)

Ammonia: 0, nitrite 0, nitrate 15, 150 hardness, pH is a solid 7, alkalinity is in the moderate range but I can't remember the exact number off the top of my head.

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_73TWAb971ET0M

This is what have on my 10 gallon and would recommend for low tech https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_iUPZAb39MW6BX

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B0191EWII2?keywords=nicrew&qid=1538133693&sr=8-1&ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Good lights

10gallon, sand over soil substrate, planted with crypts and swords. Running this Nicrew light, which might be my problem, though I had the same algae when I was running a fluorescent before. It's only on for 3 hours and I can't keep this green algae down -- it's on everything the day after I suck it all up! I can't peel it off - it falls apart easily, not hairy. I stopped adding ferts weeks ago hoping it would hinder it.

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=asc_df_B0191EWII2/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167149786275&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10674630575141009556&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9011796&hvtargid=aud-466360936450:pla-313113204696&psc=1 check this one out

light link

I think it's a good deal for under $20

How about this one? It's far cheaper.

Kelvin: approx.7500K

Lumen: approx.380lm

Is this considered low light?

I had 2 of those on a 6 gallon and the spread is not great.
Skip that one and get this. Same brand,better light.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0191EWII2

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

This is a pretty good light, it's not too expensive and should be great for low light plants.

Tried to find that light, but maybe because it's not on the Canadian website. I did however find one similar that's led, it seems like most lights wouldn't be compatible with mine. Do most people have a clear top?

Edit: Maybe a Fluorescent Hood would be the better buy? Thanks for information


https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_y.VVzb13P5P84

I think I’m going with this UNS 4.6 gallon and this light

You’re better off buying a new light. This is the light I use on my 10g tank and it has no problems growing plants - NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, 6W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0191EWII2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_b6BbBbP8R6C5H

Your best bet for a 10 gallon tank is going to be petco. They are $10 right now.

As for plants, This subreddit is the best for it. Lots of people sell starter packages regularly.

For a light, I would go with a Nicrew light from Amazon. The 10 gallon sized one would be about $15-20. Its a great light for the price.

For a heater I would stick with names brands. I personally only use Eheim heaters. They are very well made and not too expensive. For a 10 gallon you will only need a 50-100 watt one.

For filtration you can use a Hang on back filter or a sponge filter. My personal favorite for a smaller tank is a hang on back with a sponge on the intake. Also if you get a HOB filter ditch the filter media it comes with and just stuff a sponge and some filter floss in there. You can get a bag of pure polyester stuffing in the fabrics section of walmart for $4. It works amazing for filtering out particles. The sponge is good for holding bacteria because you will need to replace the wadd of filter floss(polyester) every month or so at least(one bag will last you at least 2 years at this rate).

Here is the nicrew light I mentioned. Its a great light.

https://smile.amazon.com//dp/B0191EWII2

I bought this light for a 10 gallon. It was a great price and provides great light.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0191EWII2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1511737052&sr=8-3&keywords=aquarium+light

I actually just purchased this

I hope this is better!

I have never once seen him use the hammock or go into the cave. This is the light that I just purchased.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0191EWII2/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1538367765&sr=8-4&keywords=fish%2Btank%2Blight&dpPl=1&dpID=41N2Hjf5VxL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1 and would this light work for that tank and lid as well

I also have this one but it is a bit small for my 10 gallon, which means of course I need to get a five gallon to go with, and another fish, because it is the right thing to do. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0191EWII2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0191EWII2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503604685&sr=8-3&keywords=aquarium+light and this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071R1W582/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1503604685&sr=8-6&keywords=aquarium+light

Maybe a under-counter or closet 2ft led light?

Edit:
Better yet!
https://smile.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524869323&sr=8-3&keywords=LED+aquarium

Just to do a little off course I have a planted 10 gallon with this Light. When I first planted my tank I made the mistake and planted them just as I bought them so they rotted from the bottom. Now I planted them individually but on my stem plants I'm still getting stem rot. I recently started using the PPS-pro frets. But I'm trying to figure out what's the cause of the stem rotting. Please look at my older posts to see what my tank looked like when 1st planted.

10 gallon with sunsun canister filter
Couple plants in there not sure of their names
PPS-Pro fertilizer
Flourish excel
Flourish iron

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_1

This is what I have for my 10g. It works well with for a low tech low light setup

I was able to find a $30 led light.Thanks for the feedback! LED Aquarium Hood Lighting Fish Tank Light for Freshwater and Saltwater, Blue and White Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_F0oQybTCHTY0S

It's not the best quality, so you will probably have to replace parts of it over time, but it's a good starter kit.

If you want to get some slightly higher quality gear for a comparable price, I recommend:

• get a standard 20 gallon tank at the dollar per gallon sale ($20)
  
• filter: Aquaclear 30 ($30)
  
• heater: Hydor 50W($20)
  
• lights: Nicrew LED 20-27"($30)
  
  Boom, that's $100 and you get pretty much everything that's included in the kit but it will last longer. I don't think the light will let you grow much more than low-light plants, but it probably won't be worse than the light that comes with the kit.

Should I be using Flourish Excel in my 10g planted tank? Seems like lots of people use it when they don't have CO2 stuff, but I wasn't sure if I needed to use it or not as my lights are low (or are they? I use this Nicrew one). I have saggitaria subulata, water wisteria, bacopa caroliniana, an anubias (?? idk which kind) and java fern. I also have some dwarf water lettuce on the way. I started dosing some Aquarium Co-Op Easy Green ferts when I noticed the plants looked a little sad a couple weeks ago, so I've been doing that twice a week and they perked up a bit.

The plants seem to be doing all right otherwise apart from one bit of saggitaria that just sort of melted, which I figured was normal. The other piece is already making lil baby shoots. The bacopa is just okay, a few leaves have holes but the holes haven't gotten bigger and the rest of the leaves haven't developed any holes so it's probably fine...I've also got a bunch of hair algae, which I think came in on the saggitaria I got from the LFS. :( Excel would help with that, yeah? But also I figured the dwarf water lettuce could help with the algae.

I use these in various sizes for all my tanks and have had excellent luck with them. Fairly cheap too!

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 20 to 27 Inch, 11 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oVh4BbED88HMA

Nicrew LED from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_O6BNBbCS18ZBQ

I have it over a DIY plexiglass cover I cut out if clear 1/4 inch plexiglass to replace the original hood that cracked.Does An amazing job with the plants. I should have done LED years ago!

Do you happen to know if you can place one of these lights over these covers without issue?

https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=zg_bs_2975458011_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=1KYD98WCSWF9A2QXE7K1

Shopping list.
Filter - https://www.amazon.com/Tetra-25772-Whisper-Filter-20-Gallon/dp/B0002DHY4K/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1503975350&sr=1-4&keywords=20+gallon+filter

Light - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=abs_brd_tag_dp?smid=A33ZKFW4KOEZQ4

Substrate - https://www.amazon.com/CaribSea-Eco-Complete-20-Pound-Planted-Aquarium/dp/B0002DH0QM/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1503976036&sr=1-2&keywords=tank+sand+black

Heater - https://www.amazon.com/Mylivell-Aquarium-Heater-Submersible-Thermostat/dp/B073P6NW71/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1503976318&sr=1-4&keywords=20+gallon+tank+heater

I want to do a rock wall, like this - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROZPt7M2uIk.

So I should put all the above together in the tank with water and then cycle that for 2+ weeks before trying to add plants, then cycle that another 2+ weeks before trying to add fish?

Do you know what kind of plants you have? If not, you can post pics, we can usually ID them.

This is one of my favorite lights for budgets. It looks great and has plenty of power for a low-tech setup.

Alternatively, if you're looking for super budget lights, CFL bulbs with a clamp lamp from Home Depot, I'd say 2 for a 15 gallon. Doesn't look super great, but it works.

This one!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XScAyb7B9DXHW

I think it's almost a bit too bright when it's white light, but my shrimp prefer the light to a non-lit tank. I turn on the blue light around 6PM and leave it running till 10PM when I turn off the lights.

Thank you so much! I'm really happy with how it turned out.

I would check out the Nicrew LED lights on Amazon. They aren't much more expensive than a T8 bulb and will last much longer. The classicLED is very reasonable at about $28. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/

I have one of the BrightLED units on my planted 15g and it is great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LJKNWS/

1. That's relatively fair, but wouldnt said bacteria also live on the gravel and old fake plants in the old tank? (tossing said plants out cause dont really like em n they got a bit nasty/damaged TBH)
   
   
2. I know. I dont need to touch the sponge except maybe to swish it in tank water, the biomax stuff lasts for mooonths. The only thing I MIGHT need to replace is the carbon, no?
   
   
3. I'm aware....and worried for the future lol
   
   
4. I'll look into the test kits; knew I forgot something at store today. Ditto SeaChem.
   
   TBH the lighting is at least partially for me so I can better see him/the tank. I do have a glass lid; its a Versa Top 24 inch tall lid.
   
   Wasn't sure about variety/viability of lights.
   
   https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO?th=1 So this? I may look into it....not sure how I feel about the blue lights tho, may be too bright still :X
   
   Appreciate the help so far mate

I'm not 100% sure it will do fantastic on low/ground cover plants that need high light due to the height, but on my 18x18x24 and so far on our early-stage planted 24x18x36 these "aquarium" lights do a very good job:
https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=nicrew&qid=1556543434&s=gateway&sr=8-1&th=1&psc=1

Get the size that the width your tank width is the smaller number in the range. It has feet that extend to reach the larger sizes, but for a vivarium ha having the light go all the way across is the best.

We mostly grow snake plant/pothos and bromeliads, but our bigger tank has a few ferns and other plants doing pretty well. Pothos grows like crazy if well watered under these. If you keep shade type plants near the bottom, it should do very well for those.

Right? Just got him a few days ago but I love him. I got this light for the 10 Gallon he is currently in.

cheap amazon one is working very well for me. <$30

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's the light I use, and I have it set to a timer from 9-4pm.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'll be using this for my 20L and ive been using this on a 10g before and it seems too strong imo that it causes so much algae even though i only put it on for 6 hours. Should I get a new light that is weaker? I have sand substrate and I'll probably put my amazon sword or low tech plants

I left my aquariums for a weekend as I went to visit family (the lights are on a 10 hour "on" timer. The first tank has a NICREW 11 watt LED light, linked here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

The second tank has a low powered cylinder light meant for lamps. I left for the weekend and I come back to my water incredibly murky and these algae looking stuff growing on the glass. In the 2nd tank the green algae growing on the wood was already there. On the surface of the first tank, it looks like there is a film at the top of the water, as if oil was poured on the surface (there wasnt, I live along and noone was in my apartment). Anyone know what happened and how to fix it?

Giving me hope, thanks for the in depth response! I was going to get all the flourish liquid fertilizers but it seemed expensive and I really didn’t know which ones I needed for my particular plants so I’m going to go with easy green I guess and maybe pick up some excel if the crypt starts to die. Ive heard people say plants often get worse before better so when would it be time to call it and remove them? Not sure how they will do yet just planted them on Saturday. Here is the link to the light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01C84SLRO/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1549337373&sr=8-3&keywords=nicrew%2Baquarium%2Blight&dpPl=1&dpID=31XoJS0-5iL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

• GLA Atomic CO2 Bubble Counter - with Integrated Check Valve
  
• GLA Atomic CO2 Diffuser - Inline - 12/16mm
  
• TRANSPARENT GREEN CO2 RESISTANT TUBING
  
• SunSun HW-603B External Canister Filter
  
• Co2 Omnibus Regulator
  
• Hydra Aquatic CO2 Paintball Adapter
  
• Finnex Electronic Controller Aquarium Titanium Tube with Heater Guard
  
• NICREW LED Aquarium Light
  
  
  
  Here's a list of all the equipment for the tank. The paintball tank I bought from my local military surplus/paintball shop. Refills are $6. It's a pretty simple setup. I chose the inline diffuser to reduce clutter inside the tank. Plus, the co2 is absorbed into the water by the time it hits the tank. Here's a current (as of today) pic of 1 months growth http://i.imgur.com/KvyECwm.jpg

I also have recently done this with a 10 Gallon tank. I recommend putting in an Apple/Mystery Snail and a Otocinclus Algea eater once the tank is established for some time. Oh, and a Bright light so algea and biofilm can grow to feed stuff. I recommend this light, as it works great for me. Have fun.

Oh, and here is the substrate I used.

One of my friends bought two LED aquarium lights like these. They shipped them in a 31x20.5x10.5 inch box EACH.

I'll see what they have at my LFS for dragon rock. I'm using this: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B01C84SLRO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?th=1&psc=1

If I lived in the states I probably would have gotten a finnex light.

This light says 18 Watts.
What do you think the recommended wattage would be just in case I can find any for cheaper?

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share that’s the link for the light. The tank I got from petco

NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 28 to 36 Inch, 18 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_d3xCCbERR8HW2

5 Peppered Cory
1 Angelfish
1 Gourami
6 Cardinal Tetra
1 Male Blue Ram

No issues with the fish in terms of aggression so far!

No idea what the plants are, just started dosing excel today.

This is the light I have, will it be OK for the plants or should I get something different?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aQMQybDVK40K7


Thanks for all advice in advance :)

• If You Can, Get a Aqueon Tank - Only because Aqueon Also Sell Tops Separately, But you May have to Buy the Top online. I Haven't seen to Many Petco/smarts Have them On Hand.
  
• Not sure on Dividers - Sorry.
  
• When it Comes to a Non-Planted Beta Tank, No Co2 Required.
  
• And I Buy my Lights off Amazon from Here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_sUz8BbMEG2AT2

Nicrew LED Hood Light for Aquarium Fish Tank, Adjustable from 28" - 36" Length https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_qnivbbLXikco4

It's got bad reviews from people in this sub before but... you can see the results.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=twister_B0772N6YMJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Tank is a custom 34gal tall. Looking to upgrade the old single 24in t12 bulb to led. As the t12 is simply not cutting it for my plants.

Trying to decide between a set of high CRI led floodlights, and a 18w Nicrew led bar.

The floodlights are similar to these, but cost $15 from my local electrical supply house. Using high cri philips LED. 5500K color.

Lookalike floods: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01LXRTJZ3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UK-TAbYC1JEJA


Nicrew: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01ID3OK3S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SM-TAbXJHQ2Z5

As it stands, I'm looking to go with an mbuna tank (considering overcrowding maybe in the future to reduce aggression as some recommended) & no plants.
Lights: I was looking for a light that's just for a fish aquarium, not for plants since algae growth and all. The ones you suggested should still be fine? Plus, I came across this on amazon before I read your post, what do you think about this?
Filter: Would (2) AquaClear 50's be enough for a 50 gal. overstocked tank, since you mentioned 8-10x tank volume?

Also, your answer was very helpful to me as I'm looking to get started with my new tank, thank you so much!

Edit: Might be a silly question, but I was wondering, would it be risky to put 1 or 2 haps/peacock in my mbuna tank (considering going with a 50 gal.)

I am using this for my light. Struggling to find a hood as well for it though



NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01ID3OK3S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Old light from my 29 gallon, works perfectly fine, but decided to go with a more high tech lighting setup.

Local pickup only!

Here's the amazon listing for more specs: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID3OK3S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think my light is good enough. I'm using a Nicrew ClassicLED at 50% for 8 hours (4 hours with a siesta in between). Nothing fancy, but works well, I think. But I really love the planted aspect of my tank and want to step up to the next level besides just doing root tabs and liquid ferts.

I just bought a 29g as well and had to upgrade my light. This is the exact one I bought and love it, it’s the same as my old one but bigger.

NICREW

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01ID3OK3S/ref=oh_aui_i_sh_in_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That makes sense. I had a light that wasn't powerful enough and my plants had a hard time surviving. The algae problem started a little while after I got a new light.

I have it on a timer from 7am to 9pm. I didn't think to shorten the time the light is on, now that it's more powerful. Is there a recommended time the light should be on?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01ID3OK3S/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this light on my 20 long. Good luck so far.

you know, i'm almost certain my light isnt strong enough for this plant anyway :(

Any low-light plant (java fern, anubias, etc.) will be fine. Check online to see which plants need to be planted in substrate and which ones will grow on other surfaces. I have both nana petite anubias & java fern in my tank - neither grows in substrate, so they're easy! My light stays on about 5 hours a day.

Thank you! Are there any other plants just like that? I also bought this light do you have any clue how much I'd have to manage the light to make sure Algae doesn't grow?

I love mine....

NICREW DeluxeLED Aquarium Light, Full Spectrum LED Light for Planted Tanks, 20 to 24-inch, 18-Watt, 1200 LM, 7500K https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LJKNWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ROMGAbTP07C1S

NICREW DeluxeLED
Buy it Here

I would say they like medium light but they haven't responded poorly to low or high light. Most of my tanks either have a T5 fixture or the inexpensive NICREW LED fixtures from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Spectrum-Planted-24-inch/dp/B071LJKNWS/ref=sr_1_4?crid=13U3TJKPP89DA&keywords=nicrew+led+aquarium+light&qid=1565024593&s=gateway&sprefix=nicrew+le%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-4 ) and they like both setups. A couple of my tanks get direct or indirect sunlight and they like that too.

I have several different lights (Fluval 3.0 Planted, Finnex 24/7, & Current USA Satellite) and my favorite has to be the Current Satellite Plus Pro . It has a ramp up/ramp down feature so you can set it and forget it and has a customizable color spectrum and intensity so you don't have to blast your tank with high light, or can change the colors to what looks the best for your tank.

But if you're not looking for anything fancy I'm sure a NICREW would be just fine :)

sunsun 602b As your filter

NICREW PLANTED TANK LIGHT, there are others like Finex planted 24/7 CC , TWINSTAR, ADA etc. Some more demanding plants might require a broader spectrum and majority will thrive and do fine with the light i provided.

Fishing lines to tie the moss to the branches.

​

​

monte carlo sounds good, I would recommend dry starting it for a faster carpet.

As for background, since you like red plants, maybe Ludiwiga sp. "Super Red" , Pogostemon Stellatus is also an excellent option, new growth tips will have pink and white colors, or Ammannia Gracilis . All of which will do well in no CO2 enviroments, however, you will need to dose external Iron supplement to bring their full red out.

​

Yeah, fwiw this is the version I have https://www.amazon.ca/NICREW-Freshwater-Aquarium-Bright-Length/dp/B071LJKNWS/ref=sr_1_1?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1541947339&sr=1-1&keywords=nicrew+deluxe

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B071LJKNWS?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

Excel is best used for killing algae via spot treatment. It really is not a substitute for CO2.

Maybe this light. The spectrum output isn't special but not a concern if you're not growing red plants. Also if you have a desk lamp around that can also work.

I have this light
Lominie LED Aquarium Light, Saltwater Freshwater Fish Tank Light for Coral, Planted Nano Aquarium Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07236CXBQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IAsODbQSZCNT7

It seemed pretty decent ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07236CXBQ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

This is the light I picked up, it's awesome, but the neck may not be as long.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07236CXBQ

I've been looking at this light ( seen a lot of success with it on insta )

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07236CXBQ/

What i'm really looking for with this is being able to have some success with carpeting plants and possibly growth coming out of the tank depending on what I put in there

A few different kinds:

https://www.amazon.com/VIPARSPECTRA-Timer-165W-Aquarium-Dimmable/dp/B00UMXAR5S
https://www.amazon.com/HIPARGERO-LED-aquarium-light-Saltwater/dp/B078SM3NYZ
https://www.amazon.com/HIPARGERO-LED-Aquarium-Light-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q

You can see other vendors of the same/similar light:

https://www.amazon.com/s/field-keywords=reef+led

Hipargero Aquarium LED Lights for Saltwater Nano Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_eHSLAb51HNDAX

Protein Skimmer ~ $65

Lighting ~$62

​

I have experience with the protein skimmer. It work's great and like I mentioned earlier, you'd need to get two of the lighting fixtures to really cover the length of the tank and keep SPS. One will do for soft coral and some LPS.

​

You can skimp on lighting but for the most part you'd only be able to keep softy corals and it won't look as great when compared to the higher end lighting.

At the end of the day you want your corals to be able to get the PAR they need.

+1 to this. I'd do two on such a long tank. Here's another link with more reviews: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_XdcSBbV5CX20X

I use this one on my 2.5, it's very blue but can grow at least softies: Wave-point 6-Inch 8-Watt Super Blue and Daylight Micro Sun LED High Output Clamp Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZK80YG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Ogi-Bb17DDP62

I also was talking to a guy at a frag swap who recommended this one: HIPARGERO LED Aquarium Light – Aquarium LED Lights 30W Saltwater Lighting with Touch Control and 3W Cree Chips for Coral Reef Fish Nano Tank (New) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pji-Bb2CRC2NN

>HIPARGERO LED

Is this it?


https://www.amazon.com/HIPARGERO-LED-Aquarium-Light-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=HIPARGERO+LED&qid=1551196590&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I doubt it would really be enough as far as spectrum but if you can find reviews that say it works then go for it. You can pick up a light that absolutely works here.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_p3dSDb4ZCRBXM

Alright thanks for the suggestions, I'll definitely keep checking and make changes accordingly. I'm using a pair of these https://www.amazon.com/LED-Aquarium-Light-Hipargero-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q
The reviews seemed good and it was affordable. I turn them on in the mornings and then off at evening before bed.

Do you think two of these could work?
https://www.amazon.com/LED-Aquarium-Light-Hipargero-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1521604911&sr=1-5&keywords=reef+tank+led

this one

Thank you so for the advice/suggestions. I'm just confused by all the stats. I don't know if I have to look at watts, PAR, PUR, Kelvin, Lumens.. etc.

However, I did manage to find this nano LED light on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Hipargero-Touch-Control-Aquarium-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505764896&sr=8-2&keywords=reef+tank+light+18+inch

What do you think of this one?

Edit: Also, how do you know what stats for light are good for the dimensions of your tank? Or should you fit the stats more to what coral you want to grow? E.g. color temp, wattage, lumens

I have a Nuvo 10 and i just use the return nozzle as the main source of flow in the tank, but its pretty low flow and indirect.

I have I have this light i know its not the strongest but ive seen some videos/forum posts saying that its pretty good for low/moderate light corals (depending on the placement and all of my coarls are just in the sand bed till i figure out a better place to put them)

I dont have a really high end test kit, im just using the API saltwater kit to test and it the PH was 8.4 Nitrite was 0, Nitrate was very low, under 5.

Ive had them for about 6 weeks or so, the tank its self is about a year old and i havent changed anything at all since ive added them. It seemed so sudden and strange because i always check my tank before going to bed and everything seemed completely fine, the Xenia was pulsing and the GSP was open, then i woke up and the GPS was completely closed and the Xenia was slouched over and the tips where closed.

Ive been reading some other forum post about people saying that sometimes their Xenia will just "Completely disappear then come back with a vengeance" but i cant seem to find much of anything about the GPS in terms of how its acting, might just have to keep looking.

Also if it means anything i buy my water from an LFS and do water changes every 4 days or so.

Ah, I got this one because a website recommended it, and the amazon reviews seem to say that it's fine for aquariums. I'll see if I can return it, but do you have another recommendation? I don't mind the evaporation, I do 90%+ water changes weekly and I was actually thinking that it'd allow for better airflow compared to a hood.

As for lighting I'm getting this one: https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Spectrum-Freshwater/dp/B07F7391M2

Which is going to be raised a bit above the water, so it should probably be fine in regards to splashes?

EDIT: I'm looking at reviews and I do see some people saying it rusts if water gets on it, do you think some kind of cover below the lid could help prevent that? Like nylon netting or something stretched over the top below the mesh screen.

I got this LED light for a 10g tank. For a 1g bowl I have a desk lamp with a CFL bulb. Both are connected to the same mechanical timer (recommended!).

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F7391M2

Walstad originally used fluorescent lights so I don’t think it’s critical to spend a ton of money on a “full spectrum” light. This one happens to have red LEDs which I’m led to believe helps aquatic plants.

Personally I like the NICREW ClassicLED Plus LED, I have it on both of my aquariums but there are alternatives.

Keep in mind that 15W CFL will produce much more light than a 15W incandescent.

My 5gal has a Fluval PCL13 that works like a charm. It's not a full hood, but it looks rather stylish.

Ahhh... that makes sense. You did come off as weirdly competent for a newbie. Threw me off for a bit.

> it freaked me out that i shouldnt be monitoring nitro/ph/ on a weekly basis

You definitely can, if you want to. pH is actually something I spend a lot of time looking at in my planted tanks (it's a good way of keeping track of the CO2... tracking trends over the day is useful; since ideally you'd be going for stability). It's not a bad idea to check the nitrate levels once every so often too (although our version of acceptable is quite a bit higher than in saltwater).

> I am only using distilled water to fill/top off

Remineralized, presumably?

> im hoping the tank will be properly cycled before fish are added.

Have you dosed with any ammonia?

> i am looking into this before i overplant my mini-tank too hard

That one kinda sucks a little bit. You don't really have a whole lot of control with that style (the idea on that is you fill the underwater bell with gas and let it diffuse out. It's entirely passive). I had the 88g version of that kit; which has a regulator and is intended to run continuously. It gives you a little bit more control; but what I found with my setup is the needle valve wasn't precise enough to control the small amounts of gas required for a weeny little tank like that. I wound up gassing my shrimp on a couple occasions.

There are better ones out there; I'm not that familiar with them though. My style tends towards dirt tanks (you put potting soil under a sand cap; the idea being that it works as a plant substrate and releases CO2 slowly as it decays).

> What would you do regarding the lighting situation? I am willing to invest a little into a custom fixture that would expand the possibilities of what i create. sitting across the room and looking at my tank i am very excited about my little underwater forest.

I'm probably not the best person to ask that (I'm basically the planted tank version of the Amish). However, I've seen lots of people use these. There's also a fairly nifty LED, also from fluval.

When I had my spec set up as a high tech tank I went with a fairly hideous CFL setup that was meant for a refugium. Now I've got one of these; which works well for a low tech setup.

If you're looking for ideas on what's possible, check out this thread. It's been active for years; there are some pretty cool setups in there.

Thank you for the very detailed response!

So far I have only bought a Fluval 25W heater. I am planning to put this in the pump compartment. I hope it will be sufficient. Otherwise I will upgrade to a 50W compact heater. The ambient temperature in my basement can drop to 60F when we are at work on a cold day. 25W might end up being insufficient.

I am waiting for the Spec V to go on sale here in Canada.

You are right about modding the tank. That is a big part of the experience. I would like to buy the upgraded 3rd party media basket but it runs close to $50. I think I will run it with the stock filter except I will swap out the charcoal media out for ceramic on day 1.

My biggest question right now is about lighting. I have been looking at purchasing two Fluval PCL13s. Do you have any experience with that light by any chance? Or should I get the LED light by Fluval? I am not looking forward to cutting pieces out of the lid to make the light fit. But I don't believe there is any way around that...

Sunlight will lead to algae. I would try to get something like this as having a light over your tank will bring out their best colors.

Also, try your hand at some very hardy plants, like a cryptocoryne or a marino moss ball. Gives tanks a more natural feel.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004QSV8XK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1396561296&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40

Or any fluorescent desk lamp should be fine as long as you have fairly low light plants. :)

Save yourself the money and buy two of these.

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E you can probably go with the smallest one.. It only like 77 dollars.. And it's awesome!

Depends on the kit. This one is 48 inches that has arms that extend to 60 inches. The standard Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Light for Aquarium for $59 on Amazon. Or the one I got for by Display tank. $137 https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1493156077&sr=8-2&keywords=satellite+led+aquarium+lighting

You already have a lot of good info so I'll keep it short.

20G long, I have one and it's plenty big and perfect for beginners.

A good LED strip (Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light for Aquarium, 48 to 60-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C7OTF9E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_suf4wbZEY2P0K)

Hook it up with one of those sun-sun canister filters off amazon (I have one and I love it). The more filtration and circulation , the better.

For fish I recommend Clown Killifish, they are small, you can have a lot of them (3 females to every male), and they are hardy! I also recommend Galaxy rasboras (aka celestial pearl danios) they are lovely, fun to watch, and hardy.

Definitely get some red cherry shrimp but make sure they have moss. If you ever want some I sell them on r/aquaswap I'll also directed you to r/plantedtank and r/jarrariums

I use a small Jungle Dawn LED inside the stock ExoTerra hood on my setup. it provides a crazy amount of light while remaining cool to the touch and not cheaping out on the color spectrum. My plants arent particularly picky (just some bromeliads, Philodendron, Pilea, moss etc) but theyre growing really nicely. If the form factor isnt what your after, the same site has some other options from Current USA, who make a lot of very well-regarded lights for aquarium hobby.

​

More generally, any LED/flourescent light intended to grow plants will be fine, since dart frogs are ambivalent to UVB, and heating is often easier to accomplish with an under-tank heater and a thermostat. Amazon has tons of great aquarium lights ranging from the $20 Chinese ones (a buddy of mine runs this on his big ExoTerra with tincts) up to much pricier options from more well-established brands and plenty of stuff intended for herps. Just scope out a good mix of price and form factor.

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00C7OTF9E

Hey guys I might buy this light but I also saw a couple in the close price range and was wondering... thoughts?

• satelite led plus 115.99 Amazon
  
• finnex planted+ 24/7 123.30 Amazon
  
• finnex planted+ 133.24 Amazon

I'm very happy with my Current. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C7OTF9E/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1522007607&sr=8-1&keywords=current%2Busa%2Bled%2Bfreshwater&dpPl=1&dpID=51CI3rfgKIL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

Currently have a flourescent light bulb tank light from my marineland all in one 29g bf kit that's about 9 years old, currently fishless cycling a 46g bf tank, and am currently proving to myself (and my girlfriend, so help me out here) that i can keep fish alive for a long time (she had bad experiences when she was little and her fish would always die, and 7-9 years ago i didnt do my research and knew nothing of the nitrate cycle).

Currently have a slightly overstocked goldfish tank in the 29g, and will be giving a few fish away here shortly and spacing them out into the 46g also. But in terms of energy saving, i wanna get rid of my flourescent bulb tank light, and the new 46g doesnt have a tank light.

So far i think it's either going to be this Fluval or this Current USA or this Finnex 24/7
or this Finnex too

A little more background, the old 29g is in need of a facelift, it's got the blue gravel from 9 years ago and some sun/flourescent light bulb and quite possibly bleached/vinegar'd decorations (im not sure how my father cleaned the tank in my absence after i moved out of his home and went to school) however the decorations look terrible like all the color on alot of surfaces is gone and they are starting to look white.

I wanna do a planted tank, been reading up on substrates, and would love to do sand, but then i also see that sand can't hold certain plants well and you need some other substrate to assist.

In terms of actual species of plants, im lost. There's so many to pick from. I wanna probably do some sort of carpetting plant and then some vertical ones too obviously, and the tank in dire need of a facelift, ill probably go towards driftwood and stones or possibly go out and buy another fake deco from petsmart (not that i really want to, id love a more natural scape if i can).

I have a rubber lip pleco that will be transfering to the 46g when it's finished cycling and a clown pleco that will be staying in the 29g, my goal is to do a tropical tank of some sort. I keep trying to get the girlfriend involved in picking out fish, but so far she's a sucker for the neon colored ones, which are fine.

TLDR - need help deciding between one of the two lights for both of my tanks, im lost and slightly nervous of putting plants in my tanks, there's a lot to pick from and afraid of not doing a good enough job and killing them off as soon as i put them in the tank, also have an empty cavass in the 46g and the 29g needs a facelift as well. Help!

~Much love, thanks for your patience in reading this all, i appreciate any and all suggestions/links/directions you can offer :)

EDIT: Found a Finnex LED light, and added it to see what you guys think, the reviews/warranty is slightly unnerving, also found a 2nd Finnex light

I bought This led setup and it is quite nice so far the only problem i had was the battery for the remote was dead on arrival. but it is a watch battery so it's cheap. and it's adjustable for your tank size.

Here is the light:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMFFMS6/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=3TCKHD4OEW0MC&coliid=I1GHRDJSCMP3P9&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMFFMS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_52IKBb4510PHY

https://youtu.be/OaqGGUdUS3c

Top link is the lights I’ve used them before they are good and the 2nd link is a review on them

is it this? Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus Light for Aquarium, 24 to 36-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CMFFMS6/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_ARf4wbWB18Y5S

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B00CMFFMS6

I have the Current USA Satellite Freshwater LED Plus on my spec. I really like it.

Thanks for your responses! I'm going to answer both your comments here. My tank is 2.5ft wide by 1.5ft in depth and 40 gallons. I would like it to be sexy if possible. So no home depot, I know the stand is misleading but I'm taking everything one step at a time, and it does its job. I would have gone with the finnex but they do not ship outside of the USA and I live in Canada. I checked out the Current USA satellite plus and found this in my price range

http://www.amazon.ca/Current-USA-Satellite-Freshwater-Light/dp/B00CMFFMS6/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1426817041&sr=8-6&keywords=current+usa+satellite+plus

As I said I am curently alternating a liquid CO2 and a liquid with trace elements for plants. I have to still get a fertzlizer but was told I had time due to my small number of plants. I have a 2.5 inch fluoride bedding and my water condition is great. However my plants are just not flourishing, in fact in the weeks I have had them they have been diminishing. Hence I think my one bulb fluorescent light setup is the culprit. Should I purchase this current? Or am I missing something?

Not sure if these qualify as cheap or not, but I use two Current Freshwater + on my tank. Here is a picture of my tank They have worked great for me.

Oh, thank you for these insights.

You sell plants too right? If I'm not mistaken. What would you sell me as a beginner? I got a few plants from petsmart yesterday since I got a few coupons to use. I got a some hairgrass, s repens and some anubias. Just about 1 pack each. I kinda want more.

Also, I do believe I got a pretty good light.
I got this one from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMFFMS6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Current USA also sells a single or double ramp timer for their lamps which work on a 24/7 schedule and have a sunrise & sunset setting. It's about $32 on Amazon.

Current USA Single Ramp Timer

Oh yeah, You definitely have enough power. Almost too much. You will most likely end up having to raise the light up a bit. Right now for my white channel I'm only using 64% power. In the future you can buy the timer/channel mixer separately. https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Single-Timer-Aquarium/dp/B00FDV1AFA/ref=pd_bxgy_199_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=WGB80Y75D31HWCBSS38P

Couple of cheaper options:

1. Plug in one of your lamps into a standard timer
   
   
2. Use an [aquarium ramp timer] (http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Single-Timer-Aquarium/dp/B00FDV1AFA/ref=sr_1_7?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1419378654&sr=1-7&keywords=ramp+timer) with an LED strip
   
   
3. Use a programmable timer switch. Some of these even have cycles to follow the normal sunrise and sunset (though i'm assuming that it's dark when you wake up in the winters lol)

I am not running CO2 in my tank yet, but use this ramp timer for the lights which works amazingly.

i was thinking Current USA Orbit Marine Aquarium LED Light


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GFTNG3S/ref=twister_B00YTXD58I?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Would something like this be fine? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GFTNG3S/ref=psdc_2975458011_t3_B00UMXAR5S
or is it only for display lighting?

hey man I just started a 30g as well, this was the light suggested to me by a few of my friends whom also use them on some of their tanks

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Marine-Aquarium-36-Inch/dp/B00GFTNG3S/ref=pd_sim_petsupplies_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=12QJKMHR7NSTAAK6GDFB

I just got mine in today, it looks like it will do the job will let you know when I start adding coral and such to my tank

Is this the light you are talking about? This is actually what i was going to replace my current light with.

https://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Marine-Aquarium-60-Inch/dp/B00GFTNG3S?th=1

I have Current USA Orbit Marine LEDs. My LFS has had them on a tank with multiple RBTAs in it for about 5 months now, so I think they put out pretty good light.
I think they look really slick and have a shimmer in the water that looks decently natural (at least on my Biocube 14).
And they're pretty cheap in terms of LED fixtures.
Heres a link to the 24" to 36" fixture on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/Current-USA-Marine-Aquarium-36-Inch/dp/B00GFTNG3S

So for my tank, do you guys think the 24 inch would be enough? Or would the current orbit marine LEDs be better? This one http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GFTNG3S/ref=pd_aw_sbs_1?pi=SS115&simLd=1

Finnex is the way to go. You won't regret getting one of these.

Thanks for the answer! Think I'll probably be going with this one after I get my lid set up today. $115 isn't too horrible of a punch, since this'll probably be the last big tank set up we'll do [outside of a koi/goldfish pond later on]. ... Well, that's what we keep telling ourselves anyway.


As for CO2, I'm not entirely sure quite yet. I have some root tabs right now, and I'll look into picking up some of the daily applications while I save up money for a pressurized system. The plants I have currently seem to be doing really well outside of the hair grass refusing to carpet... but it definitely has had up-growth since I've bought it. Getting it to carpet seems to be the big reason to go CO2 though.

I have this http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HSC6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Wisteria loves to float. I've let it go like that for weeks and it's happy to just chill and make roots until I decide it's time to plant it.

I would recommend a top like this. I believe 36' is the standard for 20L. Pair it up with a light like this and you're good to go. Big investment but I absolutely love mine. If you're buying a new hood with light included, make sure the light is actually better than what you currently have. I feel like the vast majority of them are pretty dim, though the bulb can be swapped of course.

Here are the two:
http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449806814&sr=8-1&keywords=planted+tank+light

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HSC6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1449806814&sr=8-3&keywords=planted+tank+light

The first one you listed looks like a stock hood. It's not going to be powerful enough to grow much- my experience with Java moss is that it can grow in the dark but everything else you want to grow is going to need more light. You might have better luck with the fluorescent tubes but I kind of doubt it.

I'm planning a 10 gallon as well and I think I'm going to spring for the finnex fugeray planted+. What I have read suggests that this light is really good for low to moderate light requiring plants and it's not SO strong that you absolutely need CO2 to prevent algae overgrowth.

I just bought one of these last week. I haven't hooked it up, yet, but it got amazing reviews on amazon.

I have two 26-watt and two 32-watt 6500k bulbs above my 55g (soil substrate with sand cap, DIY red-clay root tabs, and Excel dosing 3x weekly), in 10.5-inch reflectors pointing downward with a photoperiod of about 10 hours a day. I have swords, vals, hygrophila, and pretty much everything else I've tried have done well with very healthy growth and basically no algae problems. I tried HC, though, and that wasn't such a success; none of it has died, but in about five months, it hasn't spread noticeably. Other light/CO2-hungry carpeting plants (DHG, glosso) have done only slightly better. I assume my poor HC growth is more a matter of inadequate CO2 than of inadequate light.

I bought my bulbs online since I wasn't able to find 6500k bulbs in stores, but they weren't anything special--I think GE brand. From what I've heard, the consensus is that shelling out for specialty CFL bulbs from hydroponics stores, etc., (assuming comparable color temp, watts & lumens, etc.) probably isn't worth it.

I spent maybe $60-70 on the whole lighting set-up (including a bar and chains to hang the lights from), which is pretty good, but with a 48" Finnex Planted+ going for like $140 on Amazon, I really wonder if the CFL route is no longer such a cost-effective way to go.

Will this work well enough for high plants?

Heres a good list of plants that you can read up on

Heres another good easy plants list

another list go easy plants/details

Easiest plants - Java moss, Anubias plants, Java Fern

For substrate i'd recommend going for ... 2 routes to use

1. Sand substrate and add flourish tabs
   
   
2. Going substrate that has ferts already - Eco complete add this at the bottom and top it off with some black sand like this
   
   After you do all that and pick up w.e plants you like. You need to buy liquid fertilizers to dose/make your plants healthier.
   
   You can also go the CO2 route but if this is expensive, go for the cheap route and buy Seachem Excel (liquid co2)
   
   

   Lighting:
   

   
   This is the best kind of lighting you can grab
   
   Or this one
   
   I can vouch for the Planted+ I have that and it grows my plants really well/amazing, down side you'll have algae (but thats what algae cleaners are for ;)) Also I use sand + flourish tabs for rooted plants.
   
   

   Tip:
   

   
   Root plants need flourish tabs (if you just go the sandroute) but if you grab the eco complete you wont really need tabs since thats already fertilizers.
   
   Plants that dont need to be buried in the substrate (anubias plants/java fern) youll need liquid ferts
   
   If you do go for anubias/java fern/java moss - buy driftwood and tie them down with some fishing line (they do best when tied to driftwood)

We've bought two finnex products in the last year.

Neither has lasted through the year

One, the power supply went out after ~9 months, right outside warranty. We had to buy a replacement for $30.

The second we have not figured out what went wrong. We're tried new PS, as they are commonly the problem with these units, and a new remote. Finnex wants us to send it in on our dime after we've already spent $30.00 replacing the power supply and another $10.00 to replace the remote.

I love the idea of an planted tank LED, but Finnex is not the answer.

My tank is currently using a 48" Finnex Planted Plus. I also have a 48" Finnex Ray II I can add on.

Which light should I use? Or should I use both?

An LED fixture would replace the fluorescent fixture. The upfront cost is quickly offset by savings on electricity and replacement bulbs. If your tank is 24" deep or less, I would suggest these. If you need a light brighter than the sun for a very deep tank then you may look at this instead - be careful though, the brightness on the Ray2 can overwhelm many plants.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1417218706&sr=8-2&keywords=finnex+fugeray

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE

Ankle Length
French Terry Cloth
waist xs29. s31. m32. lg35
inseam xs27.5. s28.5. m28.5. lg30


Never seen an aquarium measured like this!

Do you have a planted tank?
Finnex Planted+ are on sale right now. They have a light that should fit you.

Otherwise get something like this and then go to a class shop and have them cut you two pieces of glass and get a divider thing in between them so you can lift the front up. Pretty inexpensive to do.

This :
http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE

Non-mobile: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GH9HURE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426797270&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex&dpPl=1&dpID=31MmMuKXM9L&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GH9HURE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1426797270&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex&dpPl=1&dpID=31MmMuKXM9L&ref=plSrch&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

I know it's still out of budget but it's like $10 more! I run these in multiple tanks. It's beyond worth the money!

> clip light

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-StingRAY-Clip-Light-Aquarium/dp/B00LMH10HC

This one?

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=pd_sim_199_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=31ctlpwpY4L&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&psc=1&refRID=G7H0VG12VZNM01QP4M2J

Is this better?

Thank you! I got this light
Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, Cliplight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kJizDbM0SJZKS

Fluval Spec V w/ Finnex FugeRay for light. Some cheapo heater that I have a replacement for coming.

Slate bottom w/ a single Java Fern from my Fluval Edge 12G that was getting beat to the light. Water is a little dirty as I just plopped the fern in there.

the built-in light may be suitable for java fern, it can survive in almost no light at all, but growth will be slow. You may be able to add a clip light like this one if you want to encourage better growth.

I had the exact same thing as a planted tank! Old album: http://imgur.com/a/q8YTE

For a tank that size personally I don't like fixtures that sit directly on it because they tend to take up too much of the view. Have you seen something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/

So this was another option I was thinking about. It looks like Finnex makes a clip light. Doesnt seem like a bad option and might look kind of cool without breaking the bank.
https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=2ZP9RLJNJXU0U&keywords=finnex+planted%2B+clip+light&qid=1556756602&s=gateway&sprefix=planted%2B+clip%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

I just bought this for my 10g cube, and I run the 30" 24/7 on the tank with HC Cuba in it. Love Finnex lights, they just get pricey for the longer ones.

Thanks for all the info!

As for lighting - This is what I had settled on as a replacement. Any input on it? I'd like the keep the tank fairly simple and clean looking, so I'd rather have a "clip-on" style fixture (keeping all the clips/mess in the rear of the tank). Another option is this Finnex one, though it looks like the Wave-Point may provide a bit more light?

The higher-tech stuff may be an option down the road, but for now I'd rather keep things somewhat simple. I've got some Seachem Flourish and Seachem Flourish Tabs on my list to start dosing. I'm going to be redoing the 'scape and correcting the nubias and java fern here within the next few days once the tabs arrive to also get them seated in the substrate.

With no/low co2 and low light, a traditional carpet will 99.9% likely fail. You can, however, get a ton of crypt parva and plant it like a carpet, and just trim the larger leaves off.

Your plant species should do fine with no co2, but don't be tempted to raise the lighting levels, this will not help plant growth and only cause an algae explosion. That said, you may have the wrong "color" light and this could lead to plant death. You want to have lighting with 6000-10000 kelvin color temperature. Typically lights with too many blue LEDs and those sold cheaply from China will not have this. How big is your tank? You could look into the clip-on Finnex planted plus fixtures if your tank is relatively small.

I'm a big fan of these. They're super bright, and my needy plants in small tanks do well with em. Might be worth checking out, their whole Planted+ line is fantastic. :)

Might I make a light recommendation?

wow that looks so clean! you might have just changed my mind lol
do you have any filters or lights in mind to go with it? amazon recommends https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00LIL7YPE&pd_rd_r=2KZ9F8JF4YE057DP8TPJ&pd_rd_w=eCyLL&pd_rd_wg=se06G&psc=1&refRID=2KZ9F8JF4YE057DP8TPJ and https://www.amazon.com/AquaClear-20-Power-Filter-Listed/dp/B000260FVG/ref=pd_bxgy_121_img_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000260FVG&pd_rd_r=2KZ9F8JF4YE057DP8TPJ&pd_rd_w=eCyLL&pd_rd_wg=se06G&psc=1&refRID=2KZ9F8JF4YE057DP8TPJ

Both use Finnex. They aren't 24/7 as I thought but fugue ray. The 60 is a 24/7.

This one on the clown colored pebble capped Fluval ( my 4 year olds betta )

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Aquarium-Moonlights-Cliplight/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=sr_1_4?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1480898752&sr=1-4&keywords=finnex

This one on mine:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GH9HRZY/ref=twister_B00HIE3M6U?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

From what I've seen, the lights that are included with a tank are rarely ever enough for a planted tank. I was blown away at the growth my tank had after replacing the stock lighting. As for an alternative with the same aesthetic, you could try this

I have to be honest. The LED light I got makes those blues really shine. But he's still very colorful without! We purchased him like this. I've noticed that their color changes in intensity throughout the day. Lamp: Finnex FugeRay Planted+ Aquarium LED Light Plus Moonlights, Cliplight https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LIL7YPE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_VhJjQnbkXjEZI

Thanks! This really helps a lot, good to see that some of the ones I was already considering are in that list. 2 and 5 are honestly perfect for attaching to the bottoms of the shelves, I think, but I'll have to see about settling on one when my room's all set up since the plants are going in last.

​

I mostly have experience with fish tank lighting for live plants, most of which come as full spectrum "white" lighting by default. I was wondering if I could actually just use something like those, too. Like this, for instance. would be something relatively bright for low- to medium-light aquatic plants. I assume what constitutes a "low-light" aquatic plant is going to be more tolerant of a lack of light/shade than a "low-light" terrestrial plant?

Finnex FugeRay Planted+
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIL7YPE

Just started a 10g shrimp tank with a Finnex FugeRay Planted+.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIL7YPE?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00

I did have problems with algae about a week in after planting. Its fairly heavily planted, no C02 at the moment.

I switched out the Finnex for a weaker Fluval LED and I ended up going from 12on12off to 8on16off. Hair algae is completely gone after a week.

Algae will be a problem for you. I suggest adding more plants as well as messing around with your light schedule.

Do you think this is okay? It is the same as the more expensive one but it is a clip on.

I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIL7YPE?keywords=finnex%20LED&qid=1458596344&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4

For my 10G and it's been great. Lots of plant growth.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LIL7YPE?vs=1

I went ahead yesterday and ordered this from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIL7YPE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm worried about how it connects with the lip and cover for this case, but I should be able to figure out some way to make it work. I was mainly worried about my plants and getting them the light they need to flourish.

I'll let you know how it works out!

I just ordered this light: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIL7YPE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
and also some root tabs :). Hopefully this will help them take off.

Its a Finnex Planted+ Clip light. I got it off amazon, I like it so far, but i do wish the neck was a little more pliable.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LIL7YPE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use this light on my 3 gal. Don't know your budget, but look under the New & Used and there's an amazon warehouse one for $20. Otherwise, the CFL+desk light the other guy said is the cheapest option.

This seems like a better brand and option: Finnex StingRAY LED Clip Light for Aquarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMH10HC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pVAPBb7W0P7N2

This is what I use on my 5gal shrimp tank and it's great. Got it a long time ago. Deckey White+ Blue Aquarium Fish Tank LED Light Universal Extendable Bracket LED Fish Lamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013K2G5OY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_FWAPBbETAVNC5

This one?

Finnex StingRAY LED Clip Light for Aquarium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMH10HC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_aCs8Ab0HYKVSW

If you don’t want to order off amazon I don’t know if you have a petsupplyplus by you but mine match priced chewy.com so I got the kit in store for 21 bucks. Also they say you don’t need lights and fertilizers for java ferns and anubias but trust me you might. So many of them have melted away on me now that I add weekly fertilizer and have a light on i have on from 12-7 my plants see to be growing. fertilizer light
Just incase your interested. Your moss ball will thrive without fertilizer just make sure you pick one that isn’t brown.

Stingray LED Cliplight.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LMH10HC/ref=sxts_bia_sr_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496087222&sr=1

Mmn, I'd be wary since it doesn't have any reds. If you can spare a little extra money I'd get lights specifically made for planted tanks, like the Finnex Stingray.

I also have a bookmark for this LED - it's not made for planted tanks specifically but I heard from somebody on this sub that they had success with it in their tank (which is why I saved the link).

Here is the desktop version of your link

I am trying to decide between these two:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GH9HSI0/?coliid=IS63UYPU585PA&colid=35BZPHCLURD0R&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

and

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAFQ6FK/?coliid=IH2ZEINNYWJAS&colid=35BZPHCLURD0R&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

It's not as cheap, but I use the 20 inch finnex for my 10 gallons and like it a lot https://smile.amazon.com/Finnex-Stingray-Aquarium-Light-36-Inch/dp/B00NAFQ6FK?sa-no-redirect=1&th=1

Does S. Repens need high light ? I am going to be using a Finnex Stingray

Yes, I realize now that I should have refined my original post. As far as what I have going right now:

Lighting - Finnex Stingray; buying two clamp lights isn't going to be much cheaper than this at $44.

Filter - Sponge filter with the powerhead listed above. I'm not set on one for now because I'll see what's at my LFS and go from there, but I have one in mind.

Tank - standard 10g tank from LFS

Substrate - I plan on using either black sand or normal sand, whatever I can find, along with root tabs. I like the look of sand and from what I hear it's easy to use for rescaping, which I will probably be doing. I had dirt capped with sand in my last tank and it looked horrible after a while because it mixed too much.

Is Seachem Prime the typical dechlorinator? I saw it recommended somewhere and that's what I plan on getting. I'm also looking at getting these tools. I'm not sure how much quality differs but they're cheap and have some good reviews.

I plan on sticking with RCS and some snails for now, fish can come later. As for plants, I think I'm gonna go with some java fern and java moss. I'll see what else my LFS has and recommends.

I greatly appreciate the help by the way.

EDIT: I wanted to add that I'll only be using root tabs on plants that would need it, I know I'm not supposed to plant java fern in the sand. I was just reading about staurogyne repens and how it could work in sand and low tech as long as I use root tabs and fertilizer. Do you have any thoughts on this?

How much does that run you? I've never understood what exactly co2 does or how to set it up but really want to make a planted shrimp tank

Is this the light?

Finnex Stingray Aquarium LED Light, 20-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAFQ6FK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_DxuiybD1R5CHM

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00NAFQ6FK/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?qid=1416628211&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70 Thus us a great light kan, it looks nice too. Its par is about 32 for 12 inch deep, and with the 10 percent off, the light is around 48ish bucks. Great deal, its better then the fugeray. Not the planted plus however. Its around half of the planted plus.

Budget Light

Glass Canopy

That's just the tank, though - the filter, light, and heater are what's gonna eat up your budget.

Here's the heater I have for my 5-gallons, both going strong for two years now.

This is the filter I plan on getting for my 10-gallon although I am not sure how rough that current will be on a betta yet.

And this is the light I will get, but this is a really nice light for a low-tech (no injected co2), low-light planted tank. There are plenty of good, cheaper lights out there.

Found it! http://amzn.com/B00NAFQ6FK

For less messy amazon links you can extract the part after "/dp/" in

https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484759496&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+planted+plus+24+7

and make it:

https://amzn.com/B00U0HMWLI

Or via smile link:

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMWLI

___

BEEP BOP

Plz send any recommendations to my owner via PM

I use freshwater aquarium spec I had laying around. It is Finnex Planted Plus 24/7. Low profile, configurable, day/night cycle(preset, unconfigurable). I use it on my hognose enclosure with heavy artificial foliage to shield direct light. [Here is how it looks at full brightness.] (https://i.imgur.com/6vN8HMA.jpg) Should be way better quality than Zoo Med light.

Thanks! I haven't spent too much time searching yet (because I haven't a clue what specs I should be looking for), but my brief search just now I came up with these:

Finnex String Ray

Aquatic Life Reno

VivaGrow, which looks almost identical to my Finnex Planted but the name is different. (I really like my light, I just don't want to spend $100-120 if possible.)

Are there any lights you would recommend that aren't too pricey (I'd love to spend no more than $50 or $60)?

I'm not sure where you're getting those numbers. A 30" Finnex Planted+ 24/7 is $85.93. At the time of posting this a high powered Beamswork is $32.17. A timer from Home Depot is $4 , so the difference is roughly $50.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI

It's 30 inches wide so the 30 inch one

Alright...time to start typing out this monster.

Ive been reading guides and stuff, but i have a terrible memory when reading things, and theres some stuff i want to double check, etc.

Im looking to set up my old 29 gal tank from when i was a kid (its been empty for 10+ years). My goal is to do a planted tank with primarily tetras and shrimp...maybe a pleco and perhaps another type of schooling fish.

I probably wont be able to start cycling for ~2 weeks or so, though by the time i buy stuff on amazon, etc thats probably a decent timetable.

This light was suggested to me by another user. Should be sufficient for growing plants in a low tech system, right?

Ive seen various numbers for how 'oversized' a filter should be. Right now im kinda looking at these two (1) (2). Any comments on brand? It looks like i can get either one in bigger/smaller sizes. 400gph seems like it might be a bit overkill...but is 250 too low?

Ive read that often the agitation in the surface water by the filter is enough to provide sufficient gasses to the plants/fish...do you think that ill be true in a low tech tank? Would an aerator help? I dont think i'll mind having bubbles coming up in the background if it will, but am i overthinking this?



I wish i had saved more links on substrate and sand and all. Any recommendations for substrate for plants? Would probably like black stuff. I think this is the one i had read about being good?

Thinking about doing a bit of gravel in the tank, but i'd also like to do some sand. Maybe something like 2/3 sand (maybe a couple different types?) and then the rest gravel? Thoughts/concerns?

I thought i had read somewhere that people often use blasting sand (rinsed well)....anyone have comments on that? I could probably get some for cheap from work, though im not sure i want dark sand...


Best place to get a larger piece of driftwood? Ive looked around online a bit and have seen a ton of different sites and whatever, but was wondering if anyone had a suggestion for where to go. Im probably going to want one big piece, and then i can get smaller pieces from wherever.


I assume when im doing water changes and stuff im going to want to bypass our water softener? Our water is supposed to be pretty hard, do i want to maybe mix softened with unsoftened? (ive seen a lot of stuff about adding minerals to pure RO water, but havent seen much on softeners)




Im sure ill think of more, but this should at least be a good start...

Edit: Best place to get rocks and stuff? I'd like a couple for a natural look, im just not sure where to get them. I could get some red granite around here, but im not sure how that'd work, and it seems like it'd be really heavy...?

Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED, Controller, 30 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0fi6Cb1J8THM3

I have a biocube converted to freshwater. I didn't change any of the filtration, I just removed a bunch of the lighting hardware to make space for a more appropriately-colored LED. I got the aquarium virtually for free and didn't want to shell out a bunch of money on it so I just got some off-market brand of light but it works fine. I've heard good things about the FugeRay Planted+ 24/7 - it's bright enough for high-tech but also dimmable so it should work in a low-tech environment too. The catch is that it's pretty expensive.

Fluorite would be a mess (figuratively and literally) to remove and clean, if it were me I'd just leave it be for now.

amazon, https://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1537453976&sr=8-3&keywords=finnex+planted+plus+24+7+cc

I haven't used it personally, but I've heard good things about the Finnex Planted + 24/7 : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMWLI/ref=asc_df_B00U0HN1DG5419634/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=394997&creativeASIN=B00U0HN1DG&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167154348866&hvpos=1o1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3111673664299888318&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012430&hvtargid=pla-305313603279&th=1&psc=1

yeah, two 18" T8s are going to be woefully underpowered for light penetration.

I'll assume you're in the US, and I'll assume that your 55 has a central brace.

The first thing you'll need for better lighting is to get rid of black plastic lids and replace it with a hinged glass top. This will also keep you from losing as much moisture thanks to less evaporation. Marineland right now is probably the cheapest. Found it at Foster and Smiths for $29.99 + shipping

Now you have a whole world of options, all for a lot less than what you're paying.

Bargain Option

Dual 48" T5 NO by Deep Blue from Ken's Fish is 69.99 right now with free shipping. This will offer roughly 2.5 times the light you have right now. The bulbs they come with are going to be a little pink so you might find that you prefer to replace the bulbs. 48" T5 bulbs are going to cost from 12.99-20.99 each and need to be changed every 6 months or so to keep your spectrum. They do have a reputation for having the occasional lemon ballast, however I've had 2 of them running for more than 2 years (now at family's houses) with no issues.

Bargain LED Option

48" Finnex Planted+ 24/7 available for 152.97 from Amazon. This is a newish product but offers a ton of the great LED features at a nice entry point including a built in 24 hour timer, multiple lighting modes, and adjustable spectrum so that you can get the perfect wavelength for your fish. They also offer better light penetration and more lumens/PAR than the NO or HO T5s (though i think VHO T5s still trump them). Plus they're made by Finnex, who are a really good manufacturer. Here's a decent youtube demo review on them so you can see what you're getting for the price.

Now if you want to spend the full 250, you can do all kinds of custom LED or go with a T5 VHO dual or triple fixture. But I figure giving you a decent $100 and $200 option out the door works for your request. Let me know if you have any questions at all.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI

Really good light but the 24/7 is that it goes through a light cycle, sunrise day sunset night and so on, and it's really pretty to look at when you wake up in the morning and it's a sunrise in your tank.

I'm sorry. It's finnex not fluval. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U0HMWLI/ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510480366&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=fluval%2B24%2F7%2Bplanted&th=1&psc=1

I am using these lights, running CO2 (not at high levels), substrate is a mixture of fluval stratum and flourite. I am also using a little stump killer (very low doses) to keep SOME nitrates for the rapens, as I have no fish in here yet. I can physically remove this stuff and it comes back like this in a matter of a couple days. I've tried spot treating with H2O2 and I've also tried some blue-green slime remover, which seemed to help a bit, but never fully cleared it up.

I think thats fair! This is the one I got This is the original then yeah?

Finnex 24/7

Finnex is quite good for the price. The 24/7 30 inch bar is only 90 bucks: http://amzn.com/B00U0HMWLI

I've got a finnex Ray 2 and it's quite impressive. The nice thing about the 24/7 is that you can tone it down a bit if it turns out to be too bright.

Sorry, I don’t know what the SE or non-SE are, but here’s a link to the light I’m talking about.

Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED, Controller, 48 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMX1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_APHYAb071RXVM

Howdy, I'd recommend

Finnex Planted+ 24/7 Fully Automated Aquarium LED, Controller, 48 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00U0HMX1C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_M8Vxzb90TRN23

It's worked well on all of my tanks, and you really gwt what you pay for. It may cost double what you're planning on paying there. But the results are real (depending on how you maintain your tank ofc)

But it (the finnex brand) is really reliable. Here's a youtube of my shabby tank lol https://youtu.be/iD4Vui4fYmo

I have these LEDs

Maybe I will get some fluorescent or halide if that doesn't cut it.

I had a finnex on my 30 gallon. Just moved to a 55 and put a finnex on that.

They're great. have yet to have one fail. I really like the 24 hr mode (though I don't think your model has that). here's the one I have for my 55:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U0HMX1C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Well depending on a few factors I don't think anyone here would complain about the finnex planted plus. Amazon has the for a good deal. They are more expensive then a fluorescent tube and a hood, but considering replacements cost the finnex is the way to go. I'd like to get one but, being from Canada Amazon.ca likes to gouge the shit out of the Canadian market comparably to the US.


http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00U0HMX1C/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1451350699&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=finnex+planted+plus&dpPl=1&dpID=51reARjLBOL&ref=plSrch&th=0

whats your budget?

If you're under $500 you're pretty much stuck with either the junk current-USA fixtures, or chinese black boxes. I'd go with the Chinese LED. You'll have to find a way to mount it, some people use conduit and make a mount that attaches to the back of the stand.

People seem to like these although they are all the same. For 48" i'd get 2 or 4. If you do 4, put them from front to back, so the short side of the LED is facing the front of your tank. This should provide great coverage. If you do just 2, you'll get a bit of a spotlight affect (not that noticable) and you'll want to stick with easy to care for SPS (pocillopora, birdsnest, ect).

If you're looking for the next step up, some new or used AI hydra 52HD would be great. 2 of these would cover your tank and you'd be able to grow ANYTHING you could dream of. Either the 52HD or the 26HD would work, but with the 26HD you'll have the spotlight affect again.

Next step i'd take from there would be radions. If you want to do radions though you're looking at $1300 for 2. These are basically if you enjoy having full control over everything and having the best LED on the market.

I had all of my current corals in a 5g fluval spec and I used a Wave-point 12-Inch 16-Watt Super Blue and DaylightMicro Sun LED High Output Clamp Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZK816S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ftlOybHXRMNXM on it. Paired with an actinic marine land strip it looked decent though the colors faded over time...

Which led me to believe I wasn't getting enough blue spectrum. Is the wavepoint and actinic strip combo enough for the 12? Or could I stand to get more light in there?

If I need more light would this suffice going on top of the glass on the edge? VIPARSPECTRA Timer Control 165W LED Aquarium Light Dimmable Full Spectrum for Coral Reef Grow Fish Tank https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UMXAR5S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_lElOyb5RS6Z9J

I recommend the Viparspectre. You can get away with one in a 40 breeder. It has separate controls for each channel and separate built in timers. You want timers on your light. Reef tanks need stability and if you’re manually turning on your lights you’ll have your coral on random times. with this light you can turn on your blues first for a few hours then turn on your whites whenever you want. All programmed.

The total water in the system is 57G after losing some to the sump setup. I've been working on this for a few years, slowly building and acquiring equipment I needed or wanted. I just recently moved and decided to set it up as I had most of what I needed to run it. I also mocked up a lot of the build in SketchUp before building, you can view that here. https://i.imgur.com/pMjM6aP.png
 
I'm planning to make this a strictly SPS tank, so I went with a bare bottom on this build. My current tank is a 10G nano LPS tank with mainly zoas and mushrooms. My SO said if I can keep this one looking nice like my other one, we can get a 300 in the next house... so I'm going all out on the life support. :)
 
 
Equipment

• 45G Rimless Aquarium from GlassCages.com, 1" and 1 1/2" overflows
  
  
• Reef Octopus Classic 1000HB Hang on Back Skimmer - I wanted to save some room in my sump so I went with a HOB model of skimmer. I was planning to run my skimmer 24/7 so I wasn't worried with a HOB variant having tank water sit in it while it was not in use.
  
• BRS Mini Reactor, running ROX carbon and GFO mixture
  
• Rio Plus 1400, 420 GPH Return Pump (went with a smaller return for slower refugium contact time, and quieter operation
  
• Maxspect Gyre XF130 Wavemaker. I currently have this at 30% and it is suspending detritus very well, not allowing it to settle anywhere. I had it dialed to 60% but my six line wrasse was having a bit of trouble swimming around...
  
• Two VIPARSPECTRA 165W LED - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UMXAR5S, I went withcheaper Chinese lighting for now. These units have a built in timer so you can program when blues/whites turn on and off, but intensity is set at the same rate all of the time. I was thinking about buying a more expensive and customizable lighting solution, but didn't want to outlay a lot of cash for something that might could potentially work just as well as these two.
  
• Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO. I don't have this wired in yet (see the DIY section) so I've been dumping RO/DI in manually every morning. The tank is evaporating about 1/2 a gallon every day.
  
• RO/DI Unit - I'm using Bulk Reef Supply's 6 stage water saver unit. My water going in is about 9-12TDS @ 35PSI. I had to buy a booster pump to get this up to about 60PSI as I was going through DI resin pretty quickly. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-6-stage-universal-water-saver-plus-ro-di-system-150gpd.html
  
• Heater - Two Eheim 150w heaters. Two for redundancy, one was keeping my tank at 79F quite easily.
   
   
  
  DIY
  
  
• Tank stand is layered 1"x 3" pine. The wood was painted black and wet sanded to attempt to give it a piano finish (and I was going to place doors on the front and sides), this turned out pretty complicated so instead I'm going to wrap the tank in 1/8" black acrylic and secure it with velcro or magnets.
  
• Light stand is t slotted aluminum. I secured it to the back of the tank and let it overhang the tank by about 9". It is 14" off of the surface of the water, allowing the lights to sit about 5" from the surface.
  
• 20G Long Custom Sump - 2 baffles, 8" for drain(s) and HOB skimmer, 14" refugium, 8" return / auto top off chamber. I simply cut some plexiglass and placed in the tank. The refugium has eggcrate preventing the chaeto from spilling into the return chamber and fouling up my two pumps.
  
• ATO RO/DI Reservoir - I purchased some black plexiglass and I'm going to build a simple 16"x16"x8" black container with two holes drilled in the top - one with a lid so I can fill RO, the other smaller for the ATO cable and hose. I'm trying to find a 3/4" rubber grommet for that hole so I can keep dust out. I have yet to start this project, but its next on my list.
  
   
  Current Livestock
  
  
• Six Line Wrasse - he came over from my 10G nano SPS tank as he was getting a bit big for that tank.
  
• Two Clown fish, orange and black AKA "Candy" and "Corn".
  
• Five Trochus Snails
  
   
  Still to Come
  
  
• Reef Controller. Right now, I have a mess of cords sitting to the right of the stand, as you can see. I want to get a reef controller, I've left myself a lot of room in the stand so I can wire it in, but I'm not yet sure on which one to buy. I'm trying to decide between the Neptune Apex Jr with PH module, or a Vertex Cerebra. The cerebra is not yet out, so that is partially why I still haven't made up my mind.
  
   
  
  So that's about it. I'm not sure what else I want to stock fish-wise in this tank, I would like to have a few more to help me keep the SPS fed, I'm thinking about a few Chromies and maybe a flame angel as the last fish. Open to suggestions.
  

How about something like this?

And I'm sorry, I totally messed up in writing my tank size. It's a 20 gallon long.

I'm super happy with having two Viparspectra lights over each 55. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UMXAR5S/ref=sxts_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499706550&sr=1 . Plus here is my setup after installing the lights http://m.imgur.com/GcOKRRG

Currently full of low tech plants:

Lots of Java Ferns

Anubias Petit

Staurogyne Repens

Crypts

Bacopa

Jungle Vals

I have the HOB Filter on the side so the entire tank gets good flow and have this light in the center.

Dose with ferts and have some homemade root tabs. Occasionally use Flourish Excel.

Any glaring issues I'm not seeing?

[here] (http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRay-Planted-Aquarium-Moonlights/dp/B00GH9HURE)

This is the newer version of it.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Planted-Automated-Aquarium-Controller/dp/B00U0HMWLI

https://www.amazon.com/HIPARGERO-LED-Aquarium-Light-Saltwater/dp/B0727V8C5Q I recommend this light, I have 2