[CluelessAquarist]

Hello all. I have a 5 gallon tank sitting around, and I really want to scape it- but I don't want to buy expensive lighting for it, because I'm working on buying stuff for my upcoming 55g setup. I was wondering if this little LED that comes stock would be able to grow any low light plants? I'll try to figure out how to add a picture now.

 

[Stone454]

maybe java fern and moss but barely

 

[CluelessAquarist]

maybe java fern and moss but barely

Is there some sort of stick-on LED fixture I could attach to the hood that would be able to grow things better that you know of?

 

[OVT]

Search for 'led strip lights' - there a lot to chose from.

v3

 

[CluelessAquarist]

Search for 'led strip lights' - there a lot to chose from.

v3

Well I know there are a lot of them I just wondered if he or you (or anyone) had used one of those many and were pleased with it and would recommend it to me.

 

[OVT]

Sorry, I have not tried them myself. But I have read a number of threads on TPT of other people using them. I would do some digging around the forum.

v3

 

[acitydweller]

i have seem them used as accent lights, especially for the reds but i cant say if they would work well as a primary light source. It may work if you have numerous strips in tandem covering the full cover of the tank but that is something that needs to be tested.

 

[naich]

that set ups looks like the aqueon kit hood and light. I bought the 13 gallon set up and it had three of the 3 square less in it. It is NOT enough light for anything. Didn't even grown java fern. My tank responded better to a measly 1 hour of indirect sunlight once moved.

 

[CluelessAquarist]

that set ups looks like the aqueon kit hood and light. I bought the 13 gallon set up and it had three of the 3 square less in it. It is NOT enough light for anything. Didn't even grown java fern. My tank responded better to a measly 1 hour of indirect sunlight once moved.

This is the Tetra 5g kit. Speaking of sunlight, the 5g is right in front of my window that gets LOTS of sun. Is using sunlight alone to grow a smaller tank easy? Or is it best left to those who are experienced (which I am not- haha)?

 

[CluelessAquarist]

The more I think about it the more I like the idea of a simple sunlight- fed dirted tank. Nothing fancy, just natural looking.

 

[CluelessAquarist]

i have seem them used as accent lights, especially for the reds but i cant say if they would work well as a primary light source. It may work if you have numerous strips in tandem covering the full cover of the tank but that is something that needs to be tested.

Yeah I see what you mean. That kind of negates the whole "cheap lighting" I was hoping for, but now I', intrigued by this sunlight idea so I'm not too bummed yet!

 

[CluelessAquarist]

I'm using the search feature and looking for info on using sunlight.. I'll see what I can find.

 

[CluelessAquarist]

i have seem them used as accent lights, especially for the reds but i cant say if they would work well as a primary light source. It may work if you have numerous strips in tandem covering the full cover of the tank but that is something that needs to be tested.

Do you have any suggestions for a plant that lives in low light?

 

[CluelessAquarist]

Scratch that, my new plan is to move this 5g away from the window and set up 2 desk lamps above it, each with a 6500k fluorescent screw in bulb. Now to learn about planting with dirt...

 

[CluelessAquarist]

Also a quick question.. The tanks I've seen using this regular old 6500k fluorescent look great, so why do some people get really expensive lighting setups for a tank as small as 5g?

 

[Divine Winds]

Aesthetics I assume. I did get a nice Tetra brand? LED fixture that hooks on the back of my 5 gallon, $20-$30 I think. It's bright enough for anubias and crypto.

I like your CFL idea though. I used on in a desk lamp to start tomato seeds inside so it'll probably work out nicely for you.

 

[Joeymozzer]

I have a kit 13 gallon hood w led set up similar to yours, It has a total of 3 it those strips. It's 0.5 odiums and it's doing really well w anachrias, java fern, flame moss, wisteria, Lutea, Brazilian sword and amazingly enough my Hygro sunset...I'm even getting some pink on the sunset

 

[Joeymozzer]

that set ups looks like the aqueon kit hood and light. I bought the 13 gallon set up and it had three of the 3 square less in it. It is NOT enough light for anything. Didn't even grown java fern. My tank responded better to a measly 1 hour of indirect sunlight once moved.

My aqueon 13g is doing surprisingly well

Here's the sunset the requires med light