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Permalink Reply by Walter on March 9, 2012 at 9:41pm

I would go with the t5 lights. I agree that x4 bulbs is alot but maybe a x2 bulb t5 fixture would be perfect. Don't worry about watts it's the nano meters (nm) on how you want to gauge your lighting. 
Just my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Braden on March 9, 2012 at 9:52pm

Thanks Walter. I was actually talking to some people during the chat and that is what i have decided too do. I was planning to do 2 bulbs instead of the 4 just because i think that would be too much, and cause problems. I have a couple questions about substrate though. SO i am trying to decide whether i should dirt this tank or not. My other dirted tanks have had very good success, but i feel like dirt might set me back. I want to do DIY co2 and add fertilizers to get really good looking plants but i think that dirt may add too many nutrients along with all the stuff i'm feeding it and the high light will all contribute too a ton of algae. I was thinking of either doing a dirted tank with an eco complete cap, or doing the same thinking with dirt and then adding moler clay in the middle and then capping it off with eco complete gravel. The other option would be too take out the dirt and just do the moler clay and eco complete and then have Diy co2 and ferts. I would possibly add rot tabs if necessary but i'm not sure how to go about it. What do you think?

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Permalink Reply by Walter on March 9, 2012 at 11:22pm

I never tried a dirted tank. I just use a nutrient enriched gravel. I add root tabs about every 4-6 weeks and liquid fertilizers as needed. I used Aquuriumplants.com gravel and the Seachem line of fertilizers. I also use pressurized co2. My plants are thriving.

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Permalink Reply by Braden on March 10, 2012 at 12:12am

Thanks, I will probably do eco complete and moler clay but maybe do dirt with them, but i'm not sure yet. I'm probably going to use ferts and DIY co2. If i don't go with dirt then i will probably try out root tabs. Do you like root tabs? How long would a pack of 10 work in a 10 gallon, and how many do you put in? 

Thanks, Braden

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Permalink Reply by Keith Keppler on March 10, 2012 at 3:12am

You would have better control over what is going on and in your tank without dirt but if you've made it work before do what works for you.  There is no 100% correct answer to any of these questions just peoples opinions :D  If you've made something work stick with it! 

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Permalink Reply by Braden on March 10, 2012 at 1:02pm

Thanks. I think if i do dirt i will have good plant growth, but it will take more time to stabilize out. I'm stuck on what to do. I just hate how dirt kills off like half of your plants when you first get them. That's why i probably won't do it. I'm still not sure, but now that i think about, mostly all of my original plants in my tanks have died off and i have gotten new plants to replace it now.

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Permalink Reply by Walter on March 10, 2012 at 3:59pm

Sorry not getting back to you last night. I use aquariumplants.com Total root pellets. They're x75 for $10. I use x1 under large plants (swords) and x1 for every 3x3 area for smaller plants (stems). 

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Permalink Reply by Braden on March 10, 2012 at 11:39pm

I order my plants off of aquarium plants.com so im pretty sure i know which ones you are talking about.

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Permalink Reply by Braden on April 1, 2012 at 1:34pm

How much of the aquarium plants substrate would i need for a 6 gallon? What about a 10?

Thanks Braden

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Permalink Reply by Walter on April 3, 2012 at 12:04pm

I'd say about a gallon. When in doubt just ask them. Just make sure you rinse it really well.

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Permalink Reply by Bill Carson on April 11, 2012 at 2:24pm

I've got the t5 HO now and im really loving how fast my plants are growing. Ive got a quick question about your substrate if you don't mind. I was thinking about doing a dirted capped with Eco complete but wasnt sure if it would work after seeing one of Dustin's video's where he blamed a tank full of melted plants on it. Have you had good results with this combo? and how long have you had it for? Thanks for any info man, appreciate it! 

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Permalink Reply by Braden on April 11, 2012 at 2:42pm

I have had dirt with eco complete but i can't tell you the results because u had bad lighting and still do on my 6 gallon so it's not really fair to judge. I think Dustin is way to in love with dirt. He wasn't even the one who found it anyways but he seems to act like he does! I'm not hating on dirt, i've had some great experiences with dirt. I think it would be fine and ive had it since christmas.

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