Psychlist1972

Got the new Catalina light for my tropical planted tank. It's fairly large (and the 55g is not very deep), so the top/feeding situation is unworkable at the moment. Since the light has to be over glass, I can't just leave the top off the tank. I may hang the light or make some taller legs or something. TBD.

I turned on all four lamps for the photos, but I usually run with just two. That's due to the heat all four throw off (notice the evaporation even with a glass top), as well as the fact that I haven't bought a CO2 system yet.

Beautiful light, though. I'm sure the plants will do well now.

Pete

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dvc_r

Wow. that looks great! Your plant arrangement mixed with the driftwood is "spot on" and the color combo with the mixed greens and reds are great

Are you sure you want CO2? It look to me that you've got some nice healthy plants!

Psychlist1972

@dvc_r

Thanks

The tank isn't that old (just set it up a month back), and I have been doing a daily liquid carbon dose. As the eco-complete eventually wears out, it'll require more of my time to keep levels up.

Unless I suddenly see algae, the CO2 isn't urgent. I suspect I'll need it at some point, though.

snakestorm526

Very Very nice tank. What is the plant that you have floating?

Psychlist1972

@snakestorm

I believe it's a hornwort. I have it zip-tied to the top corner of the driftwood.

Bought locally and forgot the name :P

My wife has some in her guppy tank; it's great for hiding fry.

Pete

Thanks, BTW

Nate McFin

Thanks for the great review in the other thread. Sounds like I will be picking up some cooling fans as well!
The tank does look fantastic and it shows all the research you have done to do it right.
If you were to run all those lights it does seem like Co2 would be inevitable. I just picked up a used Sumo regulator from the forum on plantedtank.net and hopefully I will have the new (to me) tank set up soon. I will run Co2 in my 20 gallon in the meantime though. I dont want to rush the set up because-
1. I dont want to make mistakes and regret them
2. I really enjoy the planning and research. LOL

The tank is great and I look forward to watching it evolve.
Nate-

small_fry

that tank looks so good, mine is so bare at the moment in comparison, i have started researching since seeing everyones great planted tanks and i think i would love to make my 120L tank planted!!

dvc_r

not to go off the subject but there is another post by eiginh named "More Watts!"
and he has a link to the AGA 2008 aquascaping Contest:

You may pick up some ideas (although they're beyond my comprehension)!

Neji

beautiful that will definitely make your plants feel good and will grow pretty good unlike the regular T8 lights, the plants won't flourish very well but still pretty good since it would be known as a low light setup and the plants would grow slowly. But now that you've got the T5 lights you can introduce fishes that are HUGE munchers on plants like the silver dollars. Since they are huge plant eaters... you can put one in and see how they will do with your aquarium since you have stronger lights now I'm pretty sure your plants will still be able to grow back from the small damages a silver dollar could do

Psychlist1972

@Neji

Thanks, but how do you figure low-light? I have 216 watts sitting over a normal 55g tank. That's almost 4wpg by the usual measurements. (I don't have a par meter, but lighting at the substrate level is pretty good)

Unless you're talking about me running only two lamps, which gives me just about 2wpg, which I agree is low to moderate light

I don't think I have room for silver dollars in there, but I'm definitely thinking of stocking ideas. Thanks!

Pete

fish_newbie

Wow very nice tank, i spot a snail on the glass

aquarist48

Great job Pete! Beautiful!
Ken

peacemaker92

Beautiful! The light just gives it its perfection Well done!