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NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 18 to 24 Inch, 11 Watts?
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That is way too bright. Could cause major algae growth too because of excess light
I tend to go one size larger than the tank it's going to be on just for the LED density you should check this guy out
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 18 to 24 Inch, 11 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_i_WVQ93DJPDH20VER8MWS7
If you don't want the overhang go for the 12 to 18 in
Aquarium LED for a planted tank, tank long. Economy versions as Nicrew Classic are enough for a low tech planted tank. For a more bright high tech tank, the they have more advanced versions.
his tanks parameters are currently
ammonia: 0ppm nitrites: 0ppm nitrates: 10ppm (just did a water change the other day) ph is a little high, closer to 8.
i only have a gravel substrate but i’ve also heard you can use gravel and supplement with root tabs (i’ve looked at aquarium co-op’s version)
i’m also looking at this light and a few others NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_84RGDGD2Q5BWGZ17T04D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
along with the basic plants! swords, anubias, crypt, maybe even rotala rotundifolia ? also look for a good easy surface plant!!
This is what I use on my 5 gallon tanks. Great for the plants I have - various anubias, bucephalandra, vallisneria, hornwort, and subwassertang. I have to pull out fistfuls of vallisneria and hornwort every weekend
Is there a special type of lighting I need for my bioactive setup? I am currently in the process of building mine and just have an led overhead light similar to the one you have (looks like it). I thought an LED light would work fine. here is the link https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nicrew LED from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_O6BNBbCS18ZBQ
I have it over a DIY plexiglass cover I cut out if clear 1/4 inch plexiglass to replace the original hood that cracked.Does An amazing job with the plants. I should have done LED years ago!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'll be using this for my 20L and ive been using this on a 10g before and it seems too strong imo that it causes so much algae even though i only put it on for 6 hours. Should I get a new light that is weaker? I have sand substrate and I'll probably put my amazon sword or low tech plants
I'll try to remember best I can. The tanks been cycling for about 2 years now and I had a ton of issues in the beginning mostly with algae but now things seem pretty happy. Moved it away from any windows and reduced the lighting. For substrate I started off with flourite but just recently added fluval stratum and the plants really seem to enjoy it. Plants: - Anubias Barteri off of ebay (plantsfactory) - Everything else is from petco/petsmart and I honestly don't remember the names Light is off of Amazon and I added some window tinting to bring the brightness down(algae is a pain): - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Filter is an Aqueon I use API CO2 Booster occasionally(not really sure if this is doing anything) For all water changes I use api quick start and api stress coat An Aqueon heater There's some seiryu stone in there too
Think that's about it. Hope it helps!
My bf has been using a spare fish tank light (one meant for planted tanks) over his plants and they’re flourishing better than mine under my plant grow light!!
It's a Nicrew light from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_qSVpFbC81T3QN
I've actually been thinking about getting a different one so I can adjust the lighting. It's a great light, it's just very bright and I add personification to Zaba, so I start thinking, "Man, if that were me, those lights would bug the shit out of me." 😅
I use these in various sizes for all my tanks and have had excellent luck with them. Fairly cheap too!
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs, Size 20 to 27 Inch, 11 Watts https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_oVh4BbED88HMA
The Current USA Satellite Freshwater comes with a dimmer as well, so that part is nice since you have more options for timers that way like a cheap plug timer from the hardware store.
If you're going CurrentUSA, you could also look into their ramp timers for the same gradual on/off as the NICREW ramp timer/dimmer as well. They're much more expensive so I prefer the NICREW, but they are an option and they've worked fine for me when I can remember how to use them.
Also, the NICREW ClassicLED has a 20-26" model:
I have a 20g long and love the Nicrew light from Amazon. Link
It has a blue light mode with only blue LEDs and a daylight mode with both blue and white LEDs. It has legs that sit on the rim of the tank and can be adjusted to your length.
20g tall would probably do well with the 20-27" NICREW. It was a little too strong for my 10g tanks, so I had to add a $6 dimmer to those ones:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/
I would use the 10g as a fry/growout tank and the 20g tall as a tank for whatever you want to breed. Maybe try some Pseudomugil furcatus/Furcata Rainbowfish/Forktail Rainbowfish
In addition to the shelving units /u/DreamGirly_ suggested, a cheap DIY could be cinderblocks and 2x4 (or whatever dimensions) wood shelves. I like the look of shelving units more, but the cinderblocks+wood shelves were cheaper.
Do you know what kind of plants you have? If not, you can post pics, we can usually ID them.
This is one of my favorite lights for budgets. It looks great and has plenty of power for a low-tech setup.
Alternatively, if you're looking for super budget lights, CFL bulbs with a clamp lamp from Home Depot, I'd say 2 for a 15 gallon. Doesn't look super great, but it works.
How many braces does the tank have on the top? Normal is two for a 125G. So you need to buy three 24" fixtures to cover the top of the tank.
I picked up one of these cheap little things to go over my son's 10G tank link
It's working out great but it might not be enough to punch down the 24" to the bottom of a larger tank.
I got mine off of Amazon and it seems to work great for my 3 plants (rotala, staurogyne, and dwarf sword) in my 10g. It's 11W for the 20"-27", so it should work for low to medium light plants: https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO
I use one on my 20g long as well that is growing an anubias nana (slowly) and rosette sword (moderately, but has babies so that's a good sign) and some other plants. The 20g long one was only rated at 18W, so the 1W/gal rule isn't an absolute requirement, I think (but it's a good guideline).
Should I be using Flourish Excel in my 10g planted tank? Seems like lots of people use it when they don't have CO2 stuff, but I wasn't sure if I needed to use it or not as my lights are low (or are they? I use this Nicrew one). I have saggitaria subulata, water wisteria, bacopa caroliniana, an anubias (?? idk which kind) and java fern. I also have some dwarf water lettuce on the way. I started dosing some Aquarium Co-Op Easy Green ferts when I noticed the plants looked a little sad a couple weeks ago, so I've been doing that twice a week and they perked up a bit.
The plants seem to be doing all right otherwise apart from one bit of saggitaria that just sort of melted, which I figured was normal. The other piece is already making lil baby shoots. The bacopa is just okay, a few leaves have holes but the holes haven't gotten bigger and the rest of the leaves haven't developed any holes so it's probably fine...I've also got a bunch of hair algae, which I think came in on the saggitaria I got from the LFS. :( Excel would help with that, yeah? But also I figured the dwarf water lettuce could help with the algae.
This isn't necessarily the "right" one, but it works for me and it was pretty cheap compared to all the others (get the 20"-27" for a 10 gallon and there is currently a used one on Amazon for $24 instead of $31): https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO?th=1
Just to do a little off course I have a planted 10 gallon with this Light. When I first planted my tank I made the mistake and planted them just as I bought them so they rotted from the bottom. Now I planted them individually but on my stem plants I'm still getting stem rot. I recently started using the PPS-pro frets. But I'm trying to figure out what's the cause of the stem rotting. Please look at my older posts to see what my tank looked like when 1st planted.
10 gallon with sunsun canister filter Couple plants in there not sure of their names PPS-Pro fertilizer Flourish excel Flourish iron
This one! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XScAyb7B9DXHW
I think it's almost a bit too bright when it's white light, but my shrimp prefer the light to a non-lit tank. I turn on the blue light around 6PM and leave it running till 10PM when I turn off the lights.
Thank you so much! I'm really happy with how it turned out.
I would love to have something like this but who knows, maybe one day when I have some extra bucks to spend
Yeah but that's really expensive for me, I'm going to have to save money I guess
Would this work?
I just started the journey and I’ve had a lot of trial and error along the way. I originally just had a sand subtrate but literally all my plants died. So now I have a light I found on amazon. I chose a low tech (no co2) route. So this light will be great for low light plants. I googled low light low tech plants for planted aquariums!
and fertilizer as well as root tabs
And now I have the eco complete over the sand and I used rocks to make a little walkway essentially like this
I have learned to use a Tupperware lid to pour the water over the top so it doesn’t mess up your sand and fling sand all over. Also fill up the tank about 1/4 with water... plant all of your plants and then fill up the rest of the tank. I bought some sort of solution to add so you can add fish right away otherwise you have to wait a while. But plants are good to go right away!
I also had my dwarf frog and possibly beta eat $65+ in shrimp. I have rehomed the dwarf frog and moved my beta to a different tank. Cuz I love shrimp and want them to help keep the tank clean. Also do research BEFORE buying haha I bought a red tailed shark and they said 10gallons will be okay. After getting him home and doing research I learned he needs AT LEAST 55 gallons. So I’ve done a bit of rehoming but they will live better lives anyways!
Good luck!! Watch YouTube videos!!
Check this out. Those are my two 10 gallons with those lights. Plants are thriving. I also put the link to amazon. They are 40$ CAD for a 20-27 inch long. http://imgur.com/a/1SHR5DD / https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_kkHIBb11K3QDF
For a standard 10g Aqueon tank, I just use the Aqueon Versa tops:
https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3790
As for a light, my recommendation is anything where you can adjust the brightness of the light. What works for some people's tanks won't necessarily work for yours because plant species, density, etc. will vary between tanks. 40 PAR may work great for one person's tank, but yours may need 15 PAR. I use NICREW lights on all of my tanks with dimmers attached since the ClassicLED 20-27" is 59PAR on a 10g (they also have a newer Plus model, but I heard the skinnier legs on the 20" don't fit and are still being fixed):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/
For a dimmer, I recommend the NICREW one because it has the most features for the price:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F8NS5SR/
If you want to go more expensive and fancy, I like the Current USA Dual Ramp Timer or Pro:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8PCS90
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8PHUMA/
Finnex Planted+ 24/7 CC is also a decent, but more expensive option. It's very adjustable out of the box, so no need to get a dimmer or timer. None of the other Finnex lights are good choices though because they are more difficult to dim if you end up needing to due to their odd decision to use a proprietary power connector instead of the standard barrel connectors (which is likely on a 10g):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P2YMYL
There are some Beamswork lights that work okay as well like the Beamswork EA Timer 6500K. Current USA also makes several lights that are dimmable out of the box, but they're expensive for what you get (or don't get).
I used NICREW:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/
Only downside is it does not come dimmable like the Chihiros that /u/Elhazar recommended.
Edit: Canadian Amazon link:
Nicrew aquarium light (amazon)
dimmer and thermostat (amazon)
I've found a few on Amazon.jp, no "hyperreefs" though. I've found some that are just called "NICREW Aquarium Light", "SkyLED" and "Classic". The "Classic" model is the most expensive, which is weird, since it looks like it has SIGNIFIGANTLY reduced reds:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_9YX5XT4QANV4BERK05V5
The "SkyLED" model seems to have reduced red intensity compared to Hygger, 0.3 vs 0.4. I dunno, it sorta looks like overall the Hyggers provide more intense reds compared to these hyperreefs..?
I personally like to using this light for my tanks, they are pretty affordable and lights adjustable.
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It’s a 10 gallon with this light I just added a BUNCH of new plants. In addition I’m rehoming some fish because it’s slightly too crowded and I’ve had issues with my PH balance
amazon sells adjustable LED straps.with low UV (blue) mode (not grow lights with the red cycle thats too much).https://www.amazon.ca/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO
Thanks! Cheap NICREW light from Amazon. https://www.amazon.ca/NICREW-Aquarium-Light-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO?th=1
No real advice on the decorations, but I purchased this light on Amazon a couple weeks ago and I love it! Not expensive at all either. NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
I would check out the Nicrew LED lights on Amazon. They aren't much more expensive than a T8 bulb and will last much longer. The classicLED is very reasonable at about $28. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/
I have one of the BrightLED units on my planted 15g and it is great. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071LJKNWS/
That's awesome! You're doing GREAT, and anything you do for this turtle is far better than anyone else has.
I just used a generic example for LED lighting that works well and has good reviews! You can choose the appropriate length. I have not used this product myself, so I can't say exactly how the quality is, but you get the gist!
This one with the matching timer https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Nicrew Classic is a basic model, they also have advanced versions.
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i1zDFbVPFCHJM
NICREW ClassicLED Aquarium Light, Fish Tank Light with Extendable Brackets, White and Blue LEDs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_i1zDFbVPFCHJM
I bought these and they have perfect white light and blue as well. I use a timer plug from Amazon as well for them
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_t1KsFbW8TW5AK
i have a setup with roughly the same dimensions, and i just got an adjustable LED hood from amazon, works like a charm.
something like this:
also, i don't know a lot about darts, but that seems like an awful lot of vertical space and not a lot of ground area for darts. i have 3 starry night reed frogs in a 12x12x18 exo terra, and it works for them because they sit on the foliage.
oh, I had that box there because I forgot to put it away (I live in a tiny studio-type place). Not sure what cfl is. I went for what I know, and a friend who keeps a big planted tank (with full CO2 setup and whatnot) helped me look for a lamp I could afford and would do the job. He showed me that lamp, and it had good reviews on amazon. People in the comments mention how the lamp works well in their 10g tanks with plants, so that's why I bought it.
link to the lamp. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
Sure! It is the NICREW Classic Led light on Amazon. It has a really strong light on it but it is a little close to my open top which I’m a little concerned about.
Do you happen to know if you can place one of these lights over these covers without issue?
AquaBid is just eBay but for fish. Just be careful with who you buy it from. International shipments will require you to work out transshipper stuff, which might be your actual question? I would justbuy domestically. If you're in the US, Guppy Train breeds some nice ones.
This NICREW light:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/
With this dimmer+ramp timer combo:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYLX2P6/
Start off with the dimmer to around 50% since it's around 59 PAR by default and you're getting really easy plants. Adjust the dimmer as needed to avoid algae/promote plant growth.
The cheap option would be to try out your light and see how it goes.
I think you have a 10g? If so, then I would use this light:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/
With this dimmer and timer combo set to 6-7 hours and 50% (should get you to 30 PAR unless they changed the light fixture again):
I also have recently done this with a 10 Gallon tank. I recommend putting in an Apple/Mystery Snail and a Otocinclus Algea eater once the tank is established for some time. Oh, and a Bright light so algea and biofilm can grow to feed stuff. I recommend this light, as it works great for me. Have fun.
Oh, and here is the substrate I used.
This is what I have for my 10g. It works well with for a low tech low light setup
The NICREW lights are nice and cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/
I tested my 18" older model to be around 59 PAR on my 10g, so you'll want a dimmer with it too for a low tech setup. Without a PAR meter to test the newer models, I would start at 50% brightness and increase or decrease based on plant and algae growth:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KYLX2P6/
You didn't mention fertilizer, so I'd recommend the Nilocg Thrive line:
For plants, it depends on what you like. Anubias, java fern, and bucephalandra are all fairly low light plants that grow slowly and are easier for beginners as long as you don't plant the rhizomes because they feed from the water column and don't need a special substrate. If you have a special substrate for plants, just look for any low to medium light plants.
Almost any of the LED light fixtures out there are going to be high light on short tanks like 10g and 8g. As always, I recommend getting something dimmable so you can make it fit your use case. That means something dimmable out of the box or that uses standard DC connectors so you can easily hook up an inline dimmer.
I like the Chihiros LED lights for my 5g high tech tank. They're super bright, I like the look, and they come adjustable out of the box. At the 10g size, I think they were quite expensive here in the US, so I would get something else that's adjustable like:
- Any of the NICREW lights. Based on personal experience, they're the best value and the 20-27" Classic is 59 PAR on a 10g. Classic Plus would be even higher PAR based on their tests, but I haven't tested it myself to see. Both of these are compatible with the fancy new NICREW dimmer+ramp timer.
- The Finnex Planted+ 24/7 CC has lots of nice reviews, but I have no experience with them because it's relatively expensive.
- The Beamswork EA Timer 6500K. I can't recommend all of Beamswork since I'm not sure on which other Beamswork fixtures use standard DC connectors, but I've tested this one as 63 PAR on a 10g.
I'm going to combine the responses into this one:
/r/PlantedTank might be a better place to discuss the CO2 part since I don't have a lot of experience with it. I just use the smaller Fluval CO2 kit because it was easy and seems to work well. It can be expensive to keep running though the startup cost wasn't too bad. Each canister lasts about a month on my 5g. Here's a quick overview about CO2 and each piece that you need. Buying reliable parts is expensive, but probably cheaper than one of the cheap parts malfunctioning and killing all of the fish in the tank (too much CO2) or causing a bunch of algae in the tank (not enough CO2):
https://www.reddit.com/r/PlantedTank/comments/7iy53p/co2_for_dummies/
The carpet comment wasn't about aquascaping. If you want a plant to carpet, you need to spread it out so that it grows and covers/carpets faster. If you just plant it in a big bunch, then it won't cover the ground as quickly since it starts in one spot and spreads out instead of multiple spots all over the ground.
High light means 50+ PAR. Most people don't have a nice $300-400 PAR meter though, so it's not that easy to tell. Sometimes you can look up your light fixture's lighting data, but the basic light that came with the 10g probably doesn't have it and is probably (wild guess) medium light. Your DBT will brown and die slowly without enough light. But with the proper light, it needs CO2 or else algae will grow and eventually suffocate/outcompete it. Your microswords will be fine though.
On a 10g, the 20-27" NICREW Classic light is high light (I measured mine recently):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/
The 18" Beamswork EA Timer 6500K is also a high light, but it doesn't have as good coverage because it's a couple inches shorter than a standard 10g. So the corners won't get as much light (could be medium light in the corners instead of high because of that):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/301841762213
The soil is fine, but you're going to have difficulty planting some things in such a deep and not fine gravel substrate. For example, carpeting plants need time to grow their roots or they'll constantly get uprooted and float around your tank. It will take a lot longer (or maybe not even happen) if it has to reach all the way through all of that gravel to finally root in the soil.
Maybe a under-counter or closet 2ft led light?
Edit: Better yet! https://smile.amazon.com/NICREW-ClassicLED-Aquarium-Extendable-Brackets/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524869323&sr=8-3&keywords=LED+aquarium
The nicrew lights are cheap and work fine for low-light plants.
I have been really happy the last month and a half with this light on my ten gallon, I have Anubius, Java Fern, Java Moss, and Hornwort.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
cheap amazon one is working very well for me. <$30
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C84SLRO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
That's the light I use, and I have it set to a timer from 9-4pm.
I would get a LED light, they are getting really cheap and they grow plants great. I use the NICREW on some of my tanks, looks nice, grows plants, inexpensive.
I was able to find a $30 led light.Thanks for the feedback! LED Aquarium Hood Lighting Fish Tank Light for Freshwater and Saltwater, Blue and White Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C84SLRO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_F0oQybTCHTY0S
Right? Just got him a few days ago but I love him. I got this light for the 10 Gallon he is currently in.
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