Help regarding suitable light set

[Berny]

I'm planning on starting a simple planted aquarium for now and might expand it in future. Currently I got some bichir, lots of sucker fish, 5 clown loch and sand subtrate. Plants I have in mind are either mini fissiden, dwarf hair or just Java moss.

Will be working on moss walls in future, so what kind of light should I get? Went to polyart last month, and was told that t5 is good, But it's only today that they told me the light which I bought is actually t8.

Plant discussions are also welcomed

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[Skywalker]

AquaZonic T5 light normally comes with 2 tubes and T8 light has only 1 tube.

[Berny]

AquaZonic T5 light normally comes with 2 tubes and T8 light has only 1 tube.

Not too sure, But mine has pink lights, which, they say it's t8

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[Shifty]

T8 tubes are fatter than T5 tubes. Most tanks nowadays use T5 tubes or LEDs. T8s are going obsolete in IMO. But having said that, I think your lights should be more than sufficient if you're just growing moss. How big is your tank, bro? And what is the wattage of your light? The depth of water will affect the light reaching the substrate level.

[Berny]

T8 tubes are fatter than T5 tubes. Most tanks nowadays use T5 tubes or LEDs. T8s are going obsolete in IMO. But having said that, I think your lights should be more than sufficient if you're just growing moss. How big is your tank, bro? And what is the wattage of your light? The depth of water will affect the light reaching the substrate level.

15W, 10gal, 1ft height, But having said that, I got a layer of thick substrate. It's about 10kg sand

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[AQMS]

Post a picture......

[Berny]

Here you go

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[AQMS]

For simple plants like fern, nanas and mosses should be no problem.
But if you are thinking of expanding to a full planted tank then there is a lot of factor to consider.
here is something for you to read about...... its a long list ...
http://www.plantedspace.com/howto/se...ank-and-garden

[Berny]

For simple plants like fern, nanas and mosses should be no problem.
But if you are thinking of expanding to a full planted tank then there is a lot of factor to consider.
here is something for you to read about...... its a long list ...
http://www.plantedspace.com/howto/se...ank-and-garden

But is the light enough for dhg? Polyart told me something about T8 light isn't suitable for plants since it can't penetrate the water

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[wongce]

Bro, See my blog for the information you need... good for newbies..

http://theplantedtankblog.blogspot.s...-yeartank.html

[Berny]

Bro, See my blog for the information you need... good for newbies..

http://theplantedtankblog.blogspot.s...-yeartank.html

I did a glance through it, found many pointers that I can learn from, except that Polyart should be removed from the recommended list IMO. Livestock isn't healthy, price expensive, info given aren't always accurate and it's good only if you're there for dried goods or non livestock stuff at night

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[Shifty]

If you're planning to grow a DHG carpet, I feel that your lighting may be insufficient. Also, if your substrate is just sand, that may be unsuitable as well. The DHG may grow, but probably not into a lush thick carpet. Like bro zerofighterx said, simple plants like anubias, ferns and mosses should be fine.

I dont go to Polyart that often as i live in the east, but I think it's the only LFS that opens till really late or 24hrs. I guess that drives up their costs. As for information, I feel it's best to do our own research first before purchasing so that we know what we are buying. We can't rely on LFS staff to give us the best information. Having said that, I went to Fishy Business recently to purchase some plants, and I was astounded by the level of service and knowledge shown by the bro (I forgot to inquire his name). So cheers to Fishy Business. BTW I'm not affiliated in any way to FB. I just feel that excellent service is rare nowadays and should be commended

I guess you could try taking back the lightset for an exchange if polyart allows it. No harm asking nicely. Works for me sometimes

[felix_fx2]

time to change lights if your mindset is a lawn of foreground carpeting plants. frankly, really alot of mindset when for new hobbyist is that way. that's the 1st poison you saw eh

T8 can grow but really hard to grow any carpeting foreground plants, hobbyist only had T8 or MH to choose from last time before T5/PL were out in the market.
You can start to research which light type you want to replace, look at proven solutions being used by current hobbyist and also what you can afford.

Here's what i think about LFS more commonly frequented by the folks here.

• Polyart is good, it's 24 hours... service so so ... but it's the only place i know where you can buy emergency supplies 3am when mishaps happen (like cannister fail ect ect).. i have never asked them anything before since 1st visit. don't trust their advice.

• C328 almost a all in one shop, uncle and aunty quite friendly & prices are competitive. 1 huge point, NEVER NEVER GO IN with a full backpack at 6.30pm your face will sure turn black lol...
• Fishy business & Green Chapter, very good but cost more... IMHO.. you always pay more for better service....that is the hard truth everywhere. If not how to pay the staff good salary to keep them and the shop alive
• NA,Small shop with excellent range of what most hobbyist need and good prices.
• Seaview, XL version of C328.

[Berny]

I'm considering either t5 or led, But I got 5 clown loach, will the bright light scare them? Their color fade the moment I on my T8 light

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[wongce]

I did a glance through it, found many pointers that I can learn from, except that Polyart should be removed from the recommended list IMO. Livestock isn't healthy, price expensive, info given aren't always accurate and it's good only if you're there for dried goods or non livestock stuff at night

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Eh, at least is its open 24 hours....well it does not seem very important..but imagine your filter is down and your fish/shrimp is dying use to lack of aeration middle of the night..... i am sure you will take taxi to rush to buy air pump+ air stone from polyart right? lol

Well, not all shopkeepers are hobbyist, some of them are only cashiers... so its better to ask for advise in AQ... a lot of genuine FOC advices...

eh, point taken..you explained why i did not elaborate much on the shop...:P

[limz_777]

your fauna of bichir and clown loach might be difficult to plant foreground plants , my first planted set-up was actually sand , which i put jbl base fert top up with 4-5 inch thick of fine sand , i kick start the setup with growth of plant first then add fauna , if you start up planted try to use a timer , the fish will can used to lights timing

also if long term the clown loach and the albino pleco do grow big

[Berny]

your fauna of bichir and clown loach might be difficult to plant foreground plants , my first planted set-up was actually sand , which i put jbl base fert top up with 4-5 inch thick of fine sand , i kick start the setup with growth of plant first then add fauna , if you start up planted try to use a timer , the fish will can used to lights timing

also if long term the clown loach and the albino pleco do grow big

Yup, I'm prepared to get a 6ft tank hopefully by end of this year for them, But meanwhile, I know it's hard for the lighting part, But I'm already trying to train them to get used to the light slowly by using my T8 light. Once pay is in, I'll grab some frogbits or some floating plants to provide shade for them

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