Whoo Hooo! My New Light!

[LookingToLearn]

I just got my new light for my tank! 54W X4 47in! I am very excited! (my plants are going to go into shock going from my 15 watt light to this. ;0) )

I have a couple of questions... The guy at the LFS told me I did not need to get a glass cover for my tank but if water splashes onto my light it can rust it. I told him I have a bubble wall and an ornament that blows bubbles out of it. I love these things. I think they look very pretty in my tank and I really enjoy watching them. Plus I have noticed that my fish seem to like to play in the bubbles. The guy at the LFS recommended I turn off the aeration devices instead of getting a glass cover. He said my plants provide enough O2 to the water. Now, my tank is NOT heavily planted (which I told him). I do have some plants but it is by no means heavily planted. Do you think this would be a good idea for me to turn off my aeration devices? I personally would rather get the glass cover as I just love the looks of the bubble wall and the bubbling ornament... Plus I have gold fish and I read that they need a LOT of aereation and I am afraid my snail may climb out of my tank if it isn't covered. He just seemed very opposed to selling me the glass cover for some reason.

Secondly, a few months ago, my first LFS store (which I will never be going back to) sold me this gravel saying it was 'planting' gravel. Well, I found out later it is not planting gravel. So, today, I bought a 20lb bag of EcoComplete. Since I have existing gravel I am wondering how do I use the eco complete? Do I just mix it in with the gravel I have now? The plants I have planted are Elodea, Java Fern and an Amazon Sword..

Thanx sooo much for your advice!
~heidi~

 

[Colin_T]

Java Fern does not get planted into the gravel. It should be tied to some wood or rock and left to attach to this. It can also be left on the surfasce of the gravel and allowed to grow fine roots into it.
Plants can go in any type of gravel.
If you have eco complete make sure the goldfish don't dig it up.

A coverglass not only stops water getting onto the light and rusting it, but it prevents moisture getting into the electrical components and shorting out the light unit and potentially electrocuting you. Coverglass also significantly reduce evaporation, meaning the tank will stay fuller for longer and you won't have to worry about fish jumping out.
You will need to wash the coverglass every week or so to remove dust and algae that grows on it otherwise the amount of light getting through will be reduced.

I have coverglass on all my tanks and airstones bubbling away as well. If you add carbon dioxide (CO2) then turn the airstone off. Otherwise leave it on.

 

[LookingToLearn]

Java Fern does not get planted into the gravel. It should be tied to some wood or rock and left to attach to this. It can also be left on the surfasce of the gravel and allowed to grow fine roots into it.
Plants can go in any type of gravel.
If you have eco complete make sure the goldfish don't dig it up.

A coverglass not only stops water getting onto the light and rusting it, but it prevents moisture getting into the electrical components and shorting out the light unit and potentially electrocuting you. Coverglass also significantly reduce evaporation, meaning the tank will stay fuller for longer and you won't have to worry about fish jumping out.
You will need to wash the coverglass every week or so to remove dust and algae that grows on it otherwise the amount of light getting through will be reduced.

I have coverglass on all my tanks and airstones bubbling away as well. If you add carbon dioxide (CO2) then turn the airstone off. Otherwise leave it on.

thanx. I am going to get the cover. Is that something I can just pick up at a petsmart type place? Will give them a call when I get home.
thanx again!

 

[Colin_T]

Most fish shops have coverglass but you will need to measure the top of the tank and tell them the size. They may not have one in stock but should be able to get it in for you.
Get a 4mm coverglass and not a 3mm. The thinner glass (3mm) often chips easily. The 4mm is lees likely to chip. You can get 5 or 6mm covers as well if you have really big fish but most people use 4mm. The thicker glass will be a little more expensive.
Coverglass can be cut to any shape or size. Most people have the back corners cut off for airline or heater/ pump cords. You only need a small section taken off for these. Check to see which corner needs removing, if any.
People also get the covers cut in two pieces. One piece goes across the back and the other across the front, but it depends on how the support strips are fitted. The two pieces fit together well and cover the complete top. This design allows you to remove the front piece in order to work in the tank. Otherwise you have to remove the entire cover. You can also lift the front section to feed the fish, or have a section cut out of the front piece for feeding.