Tank Lighting

[Cooper2085]

Hi all i moved some things around in my tank yesterday and im wondering if the light is getting through well enough.

I put 2 filters on the back wall of the tank (3ft long tank) in the center and "covered" them with some silk hanging plants. However, i have placed a air stone under the plant and the leaves of it now float up to the surface and cast shadows down into the center of the tank, so more light gets into the corners. The fish dont seem to mind, but im wondering if i should change it?

Also, Gravel. Am i right in assuming that the gravel has lots of good bacteria in it? If i wanted to change the gravel in a tank that is still cycling, is that a major problem?

Bogwood, is it good for fish? Would 1 large piece as a center piece with nothing else in the tank ornament wise be ok? Im tempted to go for a more natural look, maybe even try a few real plants. Something lush green with black gravel and a large piece of Bogwood.

My GF does not like to be able to see the filters, do you have the same problem? How do you cover them up and make the tank.... Tidy..?

Thanks all

 

[rdd1952]

If you don't have any live plants, the lighting isn't an issue. The fish really don't need the light at all (actually would prefer it wasn't on at all) so that's not a concern. Actually, you really only need to turn the lights on when you are there to view which will help preent algae. Some fish like the bogwood but it's definitely not something you have to have. Hiding the filters and other items in the tank is a problem for most of us but is difficult to do sometimes especially with live plants unti you can get them grown in.

 

[Cooper2085]

So you can have an air stone under the filters?

 

[aaronnorth]

So you can have an air stone under the filters?

Aslong as it isn't taking in too much air to cause damge.