Starting a 20 long and wanting to do it right.

[Chakaga]

I have just purchased a brand new Aqueon 20 gallon long tank and would like to get the best result from my plants that I can. I have a DIY paintball CO2 system (this will be my first attempt at CO2), and I have a two-bulb t5 light for it (Aqueon Freshwater T5 Light Fixture http://www.petsmart.com/product/inde...uctId=11248153). I will be using 40 lbs of Eco-Complete for my substrate.

I want to grow Hornwort, Anubias Nana, Java Fern, and Ludwigia Respens with a carpet of Dwarf Baby Tears.

The question I have is: What two bulbs should I be using for the most optimal plant growth, and do I need to buy another two bulb light fixture?

[Merth]

I would go with those 6.7k ones.

[Edub]

When I ran t5no fixtures I used 1x 6700k and 1x 10000k in each fixture, and I had 2 over my 20 long. I found that running only 6700k bulbs made it a bit too yellow for my tastes. Having 2 fixtures should be fine if you're also running paintball co2. Be sure to get some ferts as well.

As far as a baby tear carpet, everything I have seen and read about that plant makes it seem like it needs a good ammount of light, ferts, and co2 in order to make a nice carpet. I would suggest getting another fixture to provide the light, and get ferts for nutrients. Also, if you're patient, I would suggest doing a dry start with it so it fills in faster. You might not even need the second fixture until you add water to the tank, so it can help spread out the cost a bit.

[Chakaga]

Should I consider replacing the light fixture I have now with a T5HO zoomeds light from Petco?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004PB...plies_txt?vs=1

[tylergvolk]

I would focus on setting up your DSM because it will take a couple months. Get you tank, stand, scape and substrate setup. Then plant your HC and cover. Use your existing light to start with. The more light the better for DSM HC. Once you decide on a light, then change it out.

Doing a DSM is well worth it if u want a complet carpet!

[Chakaga]

What is DSM?

[Ben.]

Dry start method, growing plants emersed (out of water)

[Chakaga]

I am thinking about just throwing this fixture onto another tank and getting a 4 bulb T5HO assembly. Any recommendations?

[Edub]

A 4 bulb t5ho will be ridiculous overkill for a 20 long. Either go with 2x dual bulb t5no fixtures or 1 dual bulb t5ho fixture.

[Adam T]

If I had a 20 long id go with

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/stor...oducts_id=1864

if I wasnt going to go full led.

[tylergvolk]

I have a 20L linked in my signature where you will see a Coralife t5HO fixtures 36" with x1 6,700K bulb and one colormax bulb. Each bulb is 39watts and the fixture is suspended over the tank.

If you want to grow an HC carpet and want to do it right the first time. I highly recommend doing the DSM. Do your research too.

Hope this links helps.

http://www.shrimpnow.com/content.php...y-Start-Method