Quote:
Originally Posted by sdy284
[*]My current lighting setup consists of of 1x18W, T8 sized bulb, based on the fact that I'd like to have an excel setup, I assume i'd need more lighting?
[*]Airstones and live plants... not good friends? I would assume the answer is no, since they remove CO2 from the water.
[*]I really like the look of having a planted floor, using a small plant like a micro sword or dwarf hairgrass (or similar plants) Does having a setup like this require anything in particular?
[*]In addition to numerous fish, my tank also contains a ~4inch crawfish. Any of you have experience keeping a crawfish in a planted tank? So far he hasnt' seemed to take any interest in munching on my current plants.[/IMG]
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1.Your current lighting would be well suited for a non carbon tank. I agree with Creighton on the AH lighting. I run 55w PC over 30 gals using excel with no problems. The retro kit can fit in your current factory hood, call AH Supply and they will help you.
2.Airstones are completely fine in an Excel setup. There is no issue with CO2 in an Excel tank ie. the Excel is the carbon source.
3. Again, with my current lighting on a 30 gal(55W PC) Excel tank I am able to grow carpet plants that cover most of the bottom. Substrate is Eco-Complete.
4. Crayfish
IMO i wouldn't have them. 4" could uproot a lot.
I advise against a glass cover. Might start OK but in time will get water spots and reduce light. Then one more thing to clean IMHO. All my tanks are open top, have had little to none in the way of jumpers.
The T5's might be OK. I tried once, but wasn't my favorite. I lean toward the PC with high quality reflector.
Also, you need waaay more bio mass before using Excel and more light as Creighton said. And of course dosing will need to be addressed also