I'm sure you read most of this in the sticky's but…
If you want to use co2 then you will need to upgrade the HOB filter to some type of canister filter etc so that you lessen the amount of surface agitation. Surface agitation will deplete all your valuable co2. It's also a good idea to add some oxygen for a few hours at night after you turn the co2 off.
As for substrate there are tons of options out there...since you are only using a 25gal it shouldn't cost too much to get some good stuff like fluorite etc. You won’t regret investing the money in a good substrate after you see how much it really helps.
Same goes for lighting...figure a min of 2-3 wpg when searching for lights. Personally, I like either T5 or power compact bulbs but if you choose PC make sure not to use actinic (blue) as you will end up with tons of algae.
Hope that helps...now it's time for the fun stuff so keep us posted on your progress!
If you want to use co2 then you will need to upgrade the HOB filter to some type of canister filter etc so that you lessen the amount of surface agitation. Surface agitation will deplete all your valuable co2. It's also a good idea to add some oxygen for a few hours at night after you turn the co2 off.
As for substrate there are tons of options out there...since you are only using a 25gal it shouldn't cost too much to get some good stuff like fluorite etc. You won’t regret investing the money in a good substrate after you see how much it really helps.
Same goes for lighting...figure a min of 2-3 wpg when searching for lights. Personally, I like either T5 or power compact bulbs but if you choose PC make sure not to use actinic (blue) as you will end up with tons of algae.
Hope that helps...now it's time for the fun stuff so keep us posted on your progress!
