Hex 5

[flutterbug]

Changing my daughter's 5 gallon Hex to a planted tonight. Put a thin layer of peat then a 2" layer of pool filter sand. Replaced the bulb to a 10 watt CFL 6500K Daylight Bulb from Petco. What kind of light will this tank be? I am assuming low light? Haven't filled it yet because I'm not sure I am satisfied with what I've done so far.

[rocksmom]

It will definitely be low light. I have one with a 13w cfl and the plants grow really slow until they get near the top. They do grow though. One thing I would recommend is to switch out the filter as the one it comes with blocks a lot of light. I took that out and cut out a strip of plastic from the top rim which allowed me to put an ac20 on the back. I can take a picture tomorrow if you want to see what I mean. This is assuming of course that you're talking about the Marineland kit.

[flutterbug]

Cool yes it is the Marineland kit and I would love to see a pic! I was thinking the filter was probably going to block a lot of light! I was looking at the Sylvania 13 watt bulbs at lowes but I was woriied they wouldn't fit. Is that what you use?

[rocksmom]

I don't have mine set up right now, but here's a picture of the rim. If you compare it to yours you'll see the area I cut out. And yes, they are the sylvania bulbs. Here's the link to the ones I bought: http://www.lowes.com/pd_302424-3-26965_4 They're pretty small, I have one in a 2.5g mini bow hood as well.

[flutterbug]

Thanks for the pic now I understand. Yup those are the same bulbs I was looking at. I also have a 2.5 gallon that I could do in the future. Do you think there is a big difference between those and the one I'm using? http://www.petco.com/product/111943/...t=OnSiteSearch
I ended up filling the tank last night. Then this morning I decided to chang things around.

[rocksmom]

Since you already have the zoo med one, I say try it and see how the plants do. You can always switch to the Sylvania ones if you aren't happy with yours or when it needs replaced.

[flutterbug]

Here is a picture of it from last night. The Zoo Med Bulb already burnt out the night before last! I was trying to turn the light on for a picture (by turning the timer) and it flickered then wouldn't turn on. I do have it on a timer and noticed the replacement Sylvania Power Compact bulbs I bought says on the package that they recommend not to use with a timer because it shortens life. hmm

There is actually some plants in the front foreground but the picture totally washes them out. I tried a few DHG and some Baby Tears.

[flutterbug]

Updated picture. I am starting to like it much more now. We put in 10 Fire Shrimp from a TPT member and they are doing very well. We also added an Oto.