Hi folks,
I currently have a 15H FW set up,
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a5/...m/P1000277.jpg , but it is way too small to keep reasonably maintained at such a high level. It has a 55W 8800K PC, 2x2L DIY CO2, bi-daily EI and Flourish dosing. I notice a new plantlet of Vals about every three days, and the Java ferns are getting ridiculously large.
So, I have been pricing out an upgrade that would still be reasonably "small" and have found a 24" cube to be nearly ideal. The lighting choices are limited, but there are certainly some good options. So far, I have looked at a 4-bulb
VHO ballast kit, 4x55W PC retrofit kit and have begun looking at MHs as well. The PC and VHO kits will be the "cheapest" to begin with, though bulb replacement will be a killer with PC. I would probably just use normal T8/T12 daylight bulbs for the VHO, to save *some* money.
However, since the tank IS 24" deep, I am wondering if flourescent will be enough to penetrate to the bottom. I plan on sand bed of about 3-4", and I would like to be able to grow anything I want. I have not found anyone that has documented having a MH over a FW tank, I'm sure some people do it!, but what are your opinions so far?
I will be using pressurized CO2, and the bioload will be reasonably small. Probably a harem of gouramis, a school of ?rasboras?, a couple Otos and a couple SAEs. Flora is another matter completely, but I do have a few "aquascaping" plans in mind.
Cheers,
Marty
