Filter Advice?

[Meggie :)]

I want it pretty heavily planted and I will change the lighting accordingly....so is there anything I can do to prevent algae?

 

[minnnt]

Is it in direct sun light? Also how long are the aquarium lights on for?

 

[Meggie :)]

It is not in sunlight and the lights are on for about 12 hours a day...how many watts of light do I need for a planted tank? Like I said I don't actually have a planted tank yet but I will within the next few weeks

 

[minnnt]

Your lights should only be on for 8 hours a day really. That will probably be contributing to some of the problem. Are your stats ok?

As for watts for planting, most normal t8 or t5 bulbs will be enough for you to grow plants of some kind. Work out what kind of lighting you have and choose the plants according to their needs and requirements.

 

[Meggie :)]

Thanks and all my stats were fine last time I checked them like a little over 2 weeks ago

But I will have to check it again in a few days because of all the little ones swimming around...but besides the babies ionly have three adults in there...I want to have elodea, some kind of moss, Maybe some dwarf sag, and I have no idea what else...haha

 

[minnnt]

Low lighting should be fine. Have a look over on the planted section, loads and loads of advice and tips in there.

 

[Meggie :)]

Okay! Thank you so much! Again probably the wrong place, but what kind of sand do you suggest for livebearer tanks? I don't care how expensive

 

[minnnt]

What country are you in megan? I have play sand and Unipac sand. Prefer the Unipac 100%.

Not really an issue with livebearers as they don't particularly have contact with it so it is purely personal preference.

 

[Meggie :)]

I am in the west part of the us I want the prettiest and best sand I can get still not sure if I should get black or whit...suggestions?

 

[minnnt]

I am a lover of dark substrate, they show your fish better.

 

[Meggie :)]

Thanks i think i will do black sand for my fifty and one of my tens and maybe white for my other ten what brand do you suggest?

 

[minnnt]

Unipac if you have it in the US.

 

[Meggie :)]

I can't find any online do you know of any others? Is finer sand good because I really like the look of it...and I will have panda cories if that makes a difference

 

[minnnt]

Most aquarium sand will be fine for Cories, but if you could source some in an LFS then you might be able to feel the sand to see for yourself. Have a look at some recent threads from This Old Spouse as she has recently been through a similar issue.

 

[Meggie :)]

Will do thanks! Do you prefer finer sand or the not as fine sand? What are the major differences? Is either one better than the other do you think?