[Hopps]

Hi everyone,
I'm starting a planted tank as soon as I gather the last bit of the materials. I am now looking at lights. I am looking to keep it rather low tech meaning no CO2 as I do not feel comfortable using it and I don't want to use anymore money as I have a budget.

I am looking at the Finnex Fugerays for lighting. I see that they have positive responses throughout the forum and the prices are pretty good. I have a 15 gallon tank (24"x12"x12") and was thinking about getting the Finnex Fugeray 24". The substrate will be around 2-3 inches deep.

Will this make the plants grow too fast and require CO2? If so can I get Amazon Frogbits to provide some cover to reduce the lighting? If I do need CO2, can I just use Excel Flourish (the liquid CO2 thing)?

 

[omgwhiskey]

From my experience a 12" tall tank with a fugeray and no co2 will turn into an algae farm.

You could try limiting lighting hours though.

 

[aja31]

This link shows the par data for the fugeray:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=189944

Your tank will be getting high 30's to 60 par assuming 2 inches or so of substrate.

This is medium to high light, you may need CO2 in some form, for a 15g Excel should be fine. You can always try without CO2 and see how it goes first.

 

[Hopps]

From my experience a 12" tall tank with a fugeray and no co2 will turn into an algae farm.

You could try limiting lighting hours though.

I see, thanks for the response!

This link shows the par data for the fugeray:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/showthread.php?t=189944

Your tank will be getting high 30's to 60 par assuming 2 inches or so of substrate.

This is medium to high light, you may need CO2 in some form, for a 15g Excel should be fine. You can always try without CO2 and see how it goes first.

So I can use Excel only and no actual CO2?

 

[aja31]

So I can use Excel only and no actual CO2?

It's not as effective as actual CO2, but it can work. For a 15g tank it is pretty cheap to just use excel and it has no large initial expense like a pressurized CO2 system.

It basically comes down to what you want to spend. a pressurized CO2 system will always be the best but it is also a much higher up front cost.

 

[Hopps]

It's not as effective as actual CO2, but it can work. For a 15g tank it is pretty cheap to just use excel and it has no large initial expense like a pressurized CO2 system.

It basically comes down to what you want to spend. a pressurized CO2 system will always be the best but it is also a much higher up front cost.

I see. I'm a real noob when it comes to plants and lighting so thanks for you patience and answers. Will I be able to grow carpeting plants like dwarf baby tears or glossostigma?

 

[omgwhiskey]

I agree with aja31, get started with some excel and see how it goes!


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[Hopps]

Ok I'll get started on it! Am I obligated to make a tank journal?

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