Lights and Substrate

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
R

R.A.C.K

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 12, 2008
52
0
6
North Carolina
First lights. What kind of fixture normally comes with a fish tank? I believe T5HO is what the cool thing to do is now a days, but that is not normally standard correct? If this is the case do I need to invest in a T5HO fixture if I want to grow amazon swords, java fern, annubis, and such or will a normal fixture and a 10k bulb be fine? This will most likely be going on a 29 gallon tank that is 19 in high.

Second substrate. We only have petsmarts and petco's around here. It kinda sucks as far as fish go. They do have plant substrates though but I have to choose from Seachem Flourite and Flora-Max. The Flora-Max is cheaper but should I splurge for the Flourite? Is it any better?

Thank you all for helping out a planted tank newb.
 
For those plants, a standard T8 fixture will do fine, but make sure it is a full length bulb. As to the substrate, flourite is my preferred product.
 
Definately want a 6700k bulb or higher in it though
 
I believe that the K has to do with the frequency of the light. Like, the lower numbers are in the blue part of the spectrum and the higher numbers are in the red-end of the light spectrum. A higher number does not necessarily mean "more light output." If I'm wrong, someone please feel free to correct me, but this is my understanding of it.
 
depending on what stock you plan on keeping.. flourite ime is not ideal for cory's or other delicate bottom dwellers, it's like walking on fiberglass. I've had good luck with a fine gravel. I simply prep the substrate with fert tabs and have had excellent results with crypts, swords, ect.
 
Laticauda;4956868;4956868 said:
I believe that the K has to do with the frequency of the light. Like, the lower numbers are in the blue part of the spectrum and the higher numbers are in the red-end of the light spectrum. A higher number does not necessarily mean "more light output." If I'm wrong, someone please feel free to correct me, but this is my understanding of it.
Click to expand...
You got it backwards actually :) Lower the number, more yellow/red. Higher the kelvin rating, more blue/purple...

colour-temperature.gif
 
MonsterMinis;4957864; said:
depending on what stock you plan on keeping.. flourite ime is not ideal for cory's or other delicate bottom dwellers, it's like walking on fiberglass. I've had good luck with a fine gravel. I simply prep the substrate with fert tabs and have had excellent results with crypts, swords, ect.
Click to expand...


Has anyone else noticed this because I was planning on putting Cory's in there.
 
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