Could I Have A Healthy Planted Tank If ........

[MrWhite]

With 2 24watt t5s on a 110l tank good substrate like Oliver notts nature soil, easy carbo, tpn+ nutrafin co2 unit I can't get a proper co2 unit yet but would in the future with this combo could I run a healthy tank or would I run into lots of algae ? Also what carpet plants could I have maybe HC ?

 

[aaronnorth]

1 24w T5 and you will be fine, you are pushing it with 2 but you could see how it goes.

 

[MrWhite]

So I will only need 1 24watt ok sounds cheaper lol that's a good thing so with this combo could I grow carpeting plants
but with out a proper co2 unit will I not get algae ?

 

[aaronnorth]

1 24w tube is low enough for you to not need a pressurized sysytem, although granted it will help with algae & plant growth/ health,

HC should be good too, it likes extra CO2 & nitrate. So keep the dosing high, and keep the excel.

 

[MrWhite]

Thanks Aaron 1 more thing isn't 24 watt like 1 watt per gallon on my tank will I not be restricted on what plants I can grow I really like lotus and wanted to grow some that's why I was gonna get 2 24 watt bulbs I'm thinking of getting that interpet starter units have u seen them ?

 

[aaronnorth]

its a T5 tube so you will be fine. take a look at Andy's tank which has 0.9wpg T5:

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=213829
he grew nymphaea zenkeri & blyxa japoinca. He did have a midday burst for 2hrs @ 1.8wpg however i doubt that would significantly improve any results. CO2 & nutrients are by far more important.

I would still buy the 2 x 24w T5 fixture. This allows you to have a choice then(slow or fast growth). I would also wait to save up for a pressurized CO2 system, as you will need it in any case. with one tube, for plants such as HC & tiger lotus, you will need good nutrients & CO2 to help growth. If you run 2 tubes this will be classed as high lighting so therefore CO2 is necassary.