synaethetic's 20g aquascape (3/1/2013 Update)

[synaethetic]

Long awaited dslr shot. No more glosso.

[jacob_can]

RIP Glosso.

[synaethetic]

Here is a diy cube tank ive had set up for a while. Barebottom, no c02.

[synaethetic]

I'm rather proud of how well this photo turned out. Utilizing the custom white balance creates a great representation of how the tank looks to the naked eye.

Rotala is growing very slow... as is everything else. im considering upgrading my lighting to speed up and improve growth. my choices are between a fishneedit 150w MH, or adding another aquaticlife t5HO 2x 24watt. Any lighting input would be appreciated. I have heard good things about the MH fixture and figured it would be a solid choice.

Shrimp population hasn't been doing so well... getting random deaths here and there.

Here's the fts from tonight.

[alkatraz]

Looks very nice and healthy!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

[plecostomouse]

Super cool!

[Overfloater]

Very nice.

FWIW, I have been using a fishneedit t5 fixture for a year now with no issues. I can't speak for the MH fixture.

[Lil' Swimz$]

Your tanks are beautiful! They are very clean and the growth is very healthy! nice work.

[synaethetic]

Originally Posted by alkatraz

Looks very nice and healthy!

Originally Posted by plecostomouse

Super cool!

Originally Posted by Overfloater

Very nice.

FWIW, I have been using a fishneedit t5 fixture for a year now with no issues. I can't speak for the MH fixture.

Originally Posted by Lil' Swimz$

Your tanks are beautiful! They are very clean and the growth is very healthy! nice work.

Thanks for the kind words everyone. I've been drawn to the 24inch quad bulb t5 by fishneedit but after reading some negative reviews about it here on the forum I have been weary of it's quality. I realize the reflectors may not be HO but I am more concerned about the ballest's malfunctioning at some point. I've never owned a MH fixture but I understand I would have to put some distance between my improved lighting and the aquarium with whatever I choose, which would of course require the construction of a light stand. Simple enough, I've seen what everyone else has used and have been waiting to design something of my own.

With improved lighting I would like to switch out the crypts and java fern for stems of a variety. I want a lush background that i can trim and shape. Stems are easy to switch out and move around, the java fern and crypts are not. It's going to be a mess when I remove them, and a shame when I have no room in my barebottom tank for any more reject plants.

[synaethetic]

I've stumbled upon the lighting I'd like to purchase; the Hydrofarm Designer T5 4 tube system. Looks like a fair quality lght, with decent wide reflectors.

[synaethetic]