Might start a 20g(w) planted tank. Need help

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Wulfonce

Gambusia
MFK Member
Mar 11, 2009
881
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Ontario
I've been tossing around the idea of turning my 20g(W) into a planted tank. My thoughts were to go for a low light low maintenance medium to heavily planted tank with neon tetras, ghost shrimp and a few corys.

As far as plant density goes this is what im after.
20_wide_6_15_2005.jpg


I already have:
-the tank
-150w heater
-filter (if its even needed with planted tanks? As you can tell I know nothing)
-23" single florescent tube light fixture built into the lid (the tube that's in there probably wont work with plants?)

What other basic stuff would I need to buy in order to make this happen substrate, chemicals, lights ect. Cost is a major factor here cheap is what im after. Im looking for just the basic stuff I need for the tank, not including plants and fish. What would all this cost?

Thanks.
 
My first ever BUMP! :WHOA:
 
velanarris;3190145; said:
Depends.

How handy are you?
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As handy as I need to be I guess.;)
What did you have in mind?
 
FSM;3190376; said:
You need a better light.
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Can't I just swap it out with a different tube or is the whole thing to small?

Here's some pics:

mind the algae, its my brothers responsibility to maintain the tank as long as his betta's in there. He's been slacking...:grinno:
Picture030-1.jpg



Picture031-1.jpg
 
Well, making things yourself will greatly reduce cost. For example, if you're electrically handy you can jsut buy ballasts and build your own lights. You can likewise do the same with autodosers and any other systemic needs.

What sort of plants are you looking to raise? (species name if you have em) as those will really determine what you need, and from there we can figure out what you can DIY and what you have to buy.

As for the light, it's not the tube that's a problem. It's the rest of the light, namely the ballast system. Most of the built in hood lights (especially the petco/petsmart top fin ones) are Normal Output or NO lights.
The average aftermarket light is an HO or VHO light.
 
I combined two 24" bulbs into one 30" fixture, it worked well. I have it on my 29. A single 20W bulb just isn't enough to grow much of anything.
 
I'd disagree with you FSM, but only on a technicality. There are a lot of aquatic plants that require very little light, namely the egeria and anubias families, but for the most part, you're right.

Now wulf, The picture you provided looks fairly grown out, so understand, all the work is in the preparation and then the payoff is in time.
 
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