Lighting Upgrade

[Tiggle]

Hi Everyone!!

I've finally had enough of the algae and snails in my 2 foot tank, so im going to bite the bullet and upgrade the lights so i can plant it properly. The only problem is there are way too many options and i have no idea which is best.

This is a picture of my tank at the moment. It is 2 foot long, 16 inches high and 12 inches wide. it holds about 60L.

The current occupants are 2 bronze cory's.

These are the lights i have been looking at

Compact florescents: http/www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/f...t/prod_132.html

T5: http/www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/f...ht/prod_13.html

Which type of lighting is best for my tank? I am plaining on setting up DIY CO2 and i use root tabs. i doubt ill be able to get too many high light plants in there with that massive thing ive got taking up most of the tank. i would like to move that out of this tank at some stage, after i move and can set up my larger tank again.

My other question is, This tank is suppose to me my cory catfish tank, (even though it may not look like it. i am plaining on restocking soon.) how much substrate space do corys need? are they likely to get upset at me if i plant half to 3/4 of the substrate? or will they be happy enough between the plants?

Thanks
Tara

 

[aaronnorth]

it depnds on the lighting levels you want,

higher light = more Ferts & CO2 (1st option)

lower light = Less ferts and less CO2 (2nd option)

I have 36w PC over my 60l tank (2.5wpg) and it is plenty to grow any plant.

When using DIY CO2, get 2 bottles and change one mixture at the weekend, and one midweek for a steady CO2 output. Aim for at least 50% substrate coverage so you can combat algae. Not sure on the cory's but aslong as there is an open space fo them to swim then it will be fine, they dont mind a carpet plant, but prefer sand substrate if possible. I would agvise trying to sort out the algae problem first, a lot of plants like anubias, hygrophillia polysperma, vallis, java fern, bolbitis, etc can be grown under low light. There is an algae guide in my sig if that helps.