Low tech with Excel dosing tank

[uklau]

Hi, I'm planning for my first attempt on the above mentioned with the free tank gotten from Aquarama2007. I have the following list in mind.

Tank size = 12"x12"x15"(H), approx 30L.
Substrate = Seachem Onyx sand
Filter = Eheim Liberty 100
Lighting =13W PL or 18W PL or higher ?
Fan = 24x7
Fertilization = EI dosing & Excel

Since this will be my first time with Onyx sand, I would like to find out if it is advisable to use purely Onyx sand or should I cover it with gravel (if required, will be using black quartz gravel).

As for the lighting, I'm planning for slow (but not super slow) growing environment for plants. I would very much appreciate some guidance from the lighting aspect (not confidence with my lighting requirement calculation).

Feel free to comment on this post & thanks in advance.

[Quixotic]

Since this will be my first time with Onyx sand, I would like to find out if it is advisable to use purely Onyx sand or should I cover it with gravel (if required, will be using black quartz gravel).

Why do you want to cover it with gravel? For aesthetics purposes? Onyx can actually be used on it's own.
http://www.seachem.com/products/prod...yx%20Sand.html

Lighthing wise, 18W would be in around the 2W per gallon guideline.

Here is an example of joe's low-tech tank using Oynx sand. I am sure you can find some information and inspiration from the setup.
http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum...ad.php?t=18255

[uklau]

Thanks for the lead, Quixotic .

[vurbul]

I did a simillar set up before. 30l, onyx sand and 18 watts light with no co2 and only excel. BBA started appearing after a couple of months. Only after I changed to 13 watts then BBA is almost gone.

I use Onyx on its own for both of my tanks and am very happy with it.

[uklau]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Vurbul . This will save me the money to buy a 18W lighting set as I can reuse my existing 13W set .

[Quixotic]

But then BBA and lighting is not a direct relationship where more lighting = more BBA.

Anyway, I was thinking that for a tank with a height of 15", 18W would provide better penetration than 13W. But then 13W would work as well depending on what you intend to plant.

[uklau]

Quixotic,

You reminded me that BBA is caused by poor CO2 or CO2 distribution . Thanks a lot, man.