Starting an Iwagumi Setup

[MDK500]

Alright so I'm doing an Iwagumi style planted tank (using HC) with a standard 20 gallon, but I have a few questions.
-What lighting should I do? I was considering this fixture (the freshwater 24" model) http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13733&pcatid=13733
-What substrate should I use? I am considering ADA Amazonia
-My pH is at 6 when it comes out of the faucet... is that okay for HC?
-I'm gonna do a yeast fermentation Co2 system (I've done a bunch in the past so I know how to do them) with a glass diffuser
-For filration can I just use a HOB Aquaclear that Ill hang on the side of the tank?

More questions to come, but these are the basic ones...

 

[MDK500]

Bump

 

[Adhlc]

I've used power compacts and then switched to T5's. I don't think I'll ever go back.

Check this light out:

http://www.aquacave.com/nova-extreme-24-t-5-fixturebr-4-x-24w-by-current-usa-704.html

The ADA substrate would be a great choice for an Iwagumi - and your pH should be just fine.

A HOB filter may not be the best idea if you're supplementing CO2. I don't know what your budget is, but you should look into a smaller canister filter and just pack it full of mechanical filtration.

 

[Lepisosteus platyrhincus]

uncle toms mini canister filter. just remove the brass flow indicator valve(much more flow). that will do just fine for ur tank. $30 at That Fish Place(not sure if same on thier web site). Next small planted i do that what im gonna use.

 

[poly-nomial]

Alright so I'm doing an Iwagumi style planted tank (using HC) with a standard 20 gallon, but I have a few questions.
-What lighting should I do? I was considering this fixture (the freshwater 24" model) http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13733&pcatid=13733
-What substrate should I use? I am considering ADA Amazonia get two bags of ecocomplete, it is really good
-My pH is at 6 when it comes out of the faucet... is that okay for HC?totally fine
-I'm gonna do a yeast fermentation Co2 system (I've done a bunch in the past so I know how to do them) with a glass diffuser
-For filration can I just use a HOB Aquaclear that Ill hang on the side of the tank? sometimes the filter sucks in tall growing plants, with a canister you can move the intake from place to place.

More questions to come, but these are the basic ones...

Also get root tabs. HOT5 are the best, they are very efficient and high wattage.

I suggest something like flourish as a liquid fertilizer.

Good luck!!

 

[MDK500]

Also get root tabs. HOT5 are the best, they are very efficient and high wattage.

I suggest something like flourish as a liquid fertilizer.

Good luck!!

What are HOT5 lighting setups? Are they the ones I posted? Another question... a friend was telling me today that the lighting setup I am considering loses its spectrum or something after a little while and will not work out in the long run. Is this true?

 

[poly-nomial]

What are HOT5 lighting setups? Are they the ones I posted? Another question... a friend was telling me today that the lighting setup I am considering loses its spectrum or something after a little while and will not work out in the long run. Is this true?

http://www.dtpetsupplies.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4544
Ideal but pricey

Cheap but subpar:
http://www.customaquatic.com/estore/control/product/~product=LT-FXML-T2424

The bulb gets weaker over time. i don't know if that answers your question

 

[VNCNT]

go with PC lights. you can find 65 watt fixtures that are 24" long. most HO t5s fixtures at 24" long only put out 48 watts (2x bulbs @ 24 watts each). i'd also go with an eheim 2213 canister filter and pressurized co2. HOB filters will make all the co2 dissipate from the water. HC can be a pain to grow, especially in an iwagumi setup. ADA amazonia will work perfectly and keep you ph on the acidic side. u will need a very efficient setup. HC in iwagumi tanks is notorious for having algae problems.

 

[MDK500]

uncle toms mini canister filter. just remove the brass flow indicator valve(much more flow). that will do just fine for ur tank. $30 at That Fish Place(not sure if same on thier web site). Next small planted i do that what im gonna use.

I cant seem to find this filter. All the canister filter's I'm seeing are $50+ and not made for tanks as small as a 15...Anyone else know of any made for smaller tanks?

 

[VNCNT]

I cant seem to find this filter. All the canister filter's I'm seeing are $50+ and not made for tanks as small as a 15...Anyone else know of any made for smaller tanks?

you can't go wrong with an eheim 2213. its rated for tanks up to 60+ gallons, but a lot of people use them in planted tanks as small as 5 gallons.