33 gallon long help

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Dank Predator Tank

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MFK Member
Sep 20, 2011
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hey guys im starting up a new tank that i am going to make into my "perfect tank" its a 33 long (footprint is something) like 48x12x12 and i had some questions for you guys...first off for lighting im not sure how much lighting to get because i want enough so that i wont have any problems growing any plants but not so much algae would take over...i was thinking this ebay one (http://www.ebay.com/itm/48-Aquarium...655?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item256982ad37) what do you guys think? I will also be using FLorite sand substrate..And lastly i need help with CO2 do yu guys think it is worth it to get a complete co2 system or just go with excel if the complete co2 system what would be the best bang for your buck preferably under $200...please respond asap thanks!!!
 
The light you suggested is WAY to much IF you don't want "but not so much algae would take over." If you are not going to be using pressurized Co2 then you need to stick with NO (Normal Output or HE) lighting. A dual T5NO will do the trick, raised 2-3 inches above the tank.

The use of Co2 if of course your decision based on the type of plants you want to grow. Do you want Hi-Tech or Low-Tech?
 
Also lighting should ALWAYS be the last upgrade. I would look into the NO lighting first, setup the co2 and see how it goes. Also with the lighting and co2 that you'll be running, now we have to talk about FERTS !!!
 
would it be too much with a co2 system? btw this is not my first planted aquarium i have a heavily planted 90 gallon as well, i just have no experience using a co2 system as i have been using excel.....so do you think i should go with a co2 system or excel, and is it possible to get a good co2 system for less then 200? if so, then which would be a good one thanks
 
In the long run c02 will be much cheaper and produces great results.

For a co2 system I would look around eBay, craigslist, aquascape forums for sale area (apc, aquascapeworld etc.). You will need a regulator, co2 tank, needle valve, diffuser and a check valve. The tank and regulator are the expensive parts. You may also find good deals at local gas suppliers (airgas) where you will also go to refill.

A solenoid valve is also useful as a safety mechanism should your power go out.

5500-6500 k is optimal but 10000 k has a nice blue hue that I find appealing and also has useable light spectrum. I run a 5500 with a 10000k and have good growth.
 
Dank Predator Tank said:
would it be too much with a co2 system?
so do you think i should go with a co2 system or excel
is it possible to get a good co2 system for less then 200?
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View attachment 723801

No matter the way you slice it 162w is to HIGH... Plus according to the description "Free Bulbs in each unit: 2x 54W 10000K daylight bulbs, 1x 54W True Actinic bulbs, 4x Dual lunar LEDs" The Actinic will have to be pulled. This light is for a reef tank.

You can use excel, but again that is based on the lighting system you choose. With this lighting system, NO WAY. IMO when using T5HO pressurized co2 is a must in tanks larger than 40gallons. Unless that lighting system is raised enough to classify it as NO.

Not really. Even the Milwalkee reg (which is cheap but not consistant) will run you 90$. A 5lb cylinder will run you 60-70$. On the flip side a Milwalkee reg already has the Needle Value (cheap) and bubble counter with a solenoid. A diffuser can be bought on Ebay for about 10$ but you will also need a Drop Checker and 4dKh solution which will run you about 25$ on ebay. You can check places like the market place here or at AquariaCentral (sister site) or The Planted Tank (SnS). If you decide to go the Co2 route I would get the co2 before the lighting. Just use some decent lighting until you can determine the need for lighting and how much.



Dank Predator Tank said:
do you have any suggestions for the wattage/kelvin rating and such?
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5500K-6700K and 10K
 
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