Freshwater Planted Setup

Discussion in 'The Planted Tank' started by sticksmith23, Jun 19, 2011.

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  1. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2011
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    4,053
    Location:
    Greenville, SC
    I bought my son a 14 gallon starter kit for Christmas. It came with the two incandescent lights, which I know isn't enough to keep live plants.

    My question is, what do I need to do to this tank to make it a great setup for live plants. I've always loved the look of a school of neon tetras swimming through plants.

    My main questions are which substrate would be best and what type of lighting and how much? :confused:
     
    sticksmith23, Jun 19, 2011
    sticksmith23, Jun 19, 2011
    #1

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  2. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

    Joined:
    May 28, 2011
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    USA
    Hi,

    Carib-Sea makes a substrate just for planted aquariums called Eco-Complete. Approximately 2 - 3 inches should suffice.

    You'll need to upgrade to fluorescent lighting; a standard 1-bulb hood will work, but you'll need to replace the stock bulb with one for planted tanks. CoraLife makes those.

    There may be other manufacturers with similar items as well, but those are the ones I know about.
     
    Mr. Bill, Jun 20, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Jun 20, 2011
    #2
  3. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Seachem makes a substrate as does AquariumPlants.com. 2 to 3 inches is needed for depth and 1 fluorescent bulb as mentioned by Mr.Bill will do.
     
    2in10, Jun 20, 2011
    2in10, Jun 20, 2011
    #3