Re-scaping 10gal for live plants w/ sand

**KevinVA** · 08-30-2012, 05:55 AM

Hey guys,

I just changed my 10gal from gravel substrate to black sand today, added driftwood and plan on adding a few plants. The current light is pretty unrealistic for plants, so I was thinking of jumping up to a 1-2 T5 bulb light fixture. I don't plan on keeping anything ridiculously difficult to take care of in there, just a few low-light plants to provide some cover for my upcoming betta & otos.

Right now, I have one of those throw-in plastic canopies w/ bulb fixture, but I plan on replacing this with a glass top so that feeding/cleaning is more simplistic. Now I'm having a difficult time finding a T5 light fixture that will fit the 10gal.

Does anyone have any ideas or can give me a link? I've checked petsolutions.com and petsmart.com, but it seems like the smallest fixture for my needs is 24". I need something that fits a 20" long tank. I'm going to head over to Petsmart tomorrow, but I thought I'd see if anyone had some suggestions first.

Thanks!

Edit: Any thoughts on LED fixtures (ie - MARINELAND® Single Bright LED Lighting System)?

**onneeye** · 08-30-2012, 01:35 PM

I bought the aqueon Modular Led Light with 2 additional led bulbs for my 16 gallon bow front. Petsmart has the light on sale. Cost me $100. My low light plant took off after a couple months of using the light. My amazon sword is 3/4 way to the top now.

I had the marineland double bright led. Plants where doing okay. Bought the aqueon version and now my plants are doing great.

If you are going to get the extra bulbs. You might have to go to couple different petsmart to get them. I had to go to 2 different petmart to get them.

**MandyK** · 08-30-2012, 05:20 PM

These should do I would think.

http://www.aquatraders.com/20-inch-4...re-p/52302.htm

**KevinVA** · 08-30-2012, 07:31 PM

Thanks guys. I found this earlier on Amazon. Surprised I didn't find it before...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ls_o00_s00_i00

I bought it earlier. Do you think that if I replace the Actinic with a T5 HO bulb it would be sufficient? What about just 1 T5 HO bulb? Would that be enough or would I definitely need 2 for low-med light plants? I wouldn't mind med-high plants, but I prefer those plants requiring lower maintenance. =]

**homemadepopcorn** · 08-30-2012, 07:44 PM

Go with two, but then you'll need some kind of ferts in there.

With just 1, you can do low light. Do not keep the actinic, it'll grow algae for you.

I really suggest root tabs for whatever you plan on planting.

**KevinVA** · 08-30-2012, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by homemadepopcorn

Go with two, but then you'll need some kind of ferts in there.

With just 1, you can do low light. Do not keep the actinic, it'll grow algae for you.

Ok, I'll go 2.

I really suggest root tabs for whatever you plan on planting.

That's the plan. I have plants in my 75gal that are growing like crazy (except for the corkscrew vals - they suck). I use Flourish liquid fertilizer and Flourish tabs. I think you suggested those to me about a month back. They work like magic for the plants I have. ;]

Thanks again HMP.