Opinions...please!

[The.FL.Keys]

I am starting a planted aquarium for shrimp species only, possibly one exotic dwarf species of pleco such as a Queen Arabesque, L204, L287 (Undecided, and depending on the choice of aquarium).

Mr. Aqua 25 Gallon Rimless Cube
Fluval 100W "E" Series Heater
Three Fluval Mini Compact Lamps…any other suggestions, and or other choices for 10mm thickness attachable plant lighting?
Fluval 105 Canister Filter, although I like the Fluval C3 if adjusted around 85-90gph.
Taam Seio P530 or M620
Anyone have an idea for rimless brackets, so I could provide a lid?

Or

JBJ 12 Gallon Deluxe Cube with the Fluval “E“ 50W?

I would greatly appreciate opinions/suggestions, I can not decide…and I’m about to purchase one within the next 24 hours ha. Also, could someone advise the simplest, most reliable CO2 method (Without spending an enormous amount). I purchased a few items today for the project. I already have the aquascape envisioned, along with a few stunning decor pieces.

 

[RadaR]

If you went with the 25gallon then dont get three of the fluval lights as this is unnecessary. Two is perfectly fine.
Easycarbo is your best bet with the 25gallon as well.
The Fluval 105 wont produce enough flow/circulation on it's own so you may need to aquire a powerhead.

The 12gallon comes with a shed load of light and it would be very difficult to keep up the CO2 and nutrient demands.

It's worth mentioning that when you add CO2 or any carbon supplement then you must also dose macro and micro nutrients regularly.
More light demands more CO2. More CO2 demands an icrease in nutrients.

Check this out

 

[The.FL.Keys]

I appreciate the response, new to the whole plant department ha. I shall go with your advice, and with plant additives/nutrients. I'll stick with the U3 filter...I do have the powerhead selection listed, I really like the Seio's, they are exceptional powerheads.

Any other suggestions in lighting, are those Fluval compacts advisable. I like the Hydra Aquatics Retina LED...although, the reviews are not satisfying. I am also debating on the 18-24" Reef Marineland LED?

I would appreciate a reliable C02 system, which will not need to be discharged like the Fluval C02 88 kit after about two years of use?

 

[RadaR]

The fluval lights are decent.
I dont know much about the world of LEDs.
If you go to the link in my last post it should say how to piece together the cheapest form of reliable pressurized CO2 (using a CO2 fire extinguisher).

 

[The.FL.Keys]

I bought the rimless...

I'm thinking South American plants such as Rosettes, Radicans, Ozelots, possibly a few Amazon Temples...maybe a group of Asian Lutea Crypto. Those plants have fairly easy care requirements. The question really deals with lighting, as I would rather stick with dossing my aquarium with nutrients rather than a CO2 system...would this technique still create a beautiful/healthy planted aquarium?

 

[The.FL.Keys]

I could have a 18-24" Marineland Reef LED for an outstanding price at my LFS, lets just say I've helped them here and there. Would this unit be an unnecessary light, should I order the Marineland double bright LED instead?

 

[RadaR]

If you dont want to go down the CO2 route then aiming for low light is the way to go.
As that light fixture is LED and marine I'm guessing that they produce a lot of PAR (photosynthetic active radiation), which is what plants need from light. Therefore, you wont get away without dosing CO2.

 

[The.FL.Keys]

I really appreciate the help Radar...I'm ordering the Marineland Double, it's more for low light plant growth/freshwater, but the reef version is cut from the selection. I'm fairly stoked on setting up this aquarium, and creating the aquascape

 

[lljdma06]

Haha! Are you doing a planted tank? Fabulous...

 

[The.FL.Keys]

I saw some ADA aquariums on YouTube...I could not resist. Figured I try this , positive my aquascaping shall demolish those professional ADA show aquariums in Niigata, Japan haha

What products do you advise for nutrients, if I do not plan on obtaining pressurized CO2 nor adding DIY methods?

 

[The.FL.Keys]

Some new items...

 

[The.FL.Keys]

The fourth piece of branching element...the large forest branch will emerge form the rimless cube

 

[minnnt]

Nice equipment! Bet it's killing you not to have it set up yet!!

 

[The.FL.Keys]

Indeed...I went against the order of the Marineland Double LED. I'm getting paranoid with the set-up ha. I returned the large forest branch (Grapevine). I heard it rots fairly quickly, and is susceptible to harmful fungus growth. I will simply stick with Mopani, and Malaysian wood. I need help with picking the light for an 18-18-18 cube...does anyone have advice with an appropriate lighting unit, which will be considered low light, yet enhance my aquarium? I'm getting impatient with my Cubes arrival ha. I will be picking up a Hydor Koralia Evolution 550 pump for circulation, and the Fluval C3. Would you all agree with those items for a planted environment?

Edit: Had to spell "Planted" correctly ha.

 

[The.FL.Keys]

I finally have everything ready, except plants...I shall upload the aquascape within the next couple of days