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NICREW SkyLED Plus Aquarium Light for Planted Tanks, Full Spectrum Freshwater Fish Tank Light, Light Brightness and Spectrum Adjustable with External Controller, 18-24 Inches, 18 Watts?
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See below for tank details. Testing was done about two hours after a 50% water change. I should have tested before as well, but can't do it now. Note that the tip of the Java Fern in the first image was missing when I received it.
Really trying to figure out what is causing the issues with the Java Fern in my tank. I suspect it is too much light. I need to get a timer, but outside of that I'm pretty much clueless. Definitely have diatoms, but I didn't think those would cause the issues I'm seeing. Anubias Nana seems to be doing well. Nothing noticeable at least. The most concerning picture IMO is the last one that shows the lower part of the Windelov leaves. They are thin and dark and the new leaf is twisting. Not sure if that is normal or not. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Thank you in advance.
pH: 7.2 - 7.6
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 5 - 10 ppm
KH: 3 drops / 53.7 ppm
GH: 6 drops / 107.4 ppm
10 gallon
Had tank setup for 3 months
Tetra Whisper 10 w/ sponge filter
1 Betta, 2 mystery snails
All decor added at about the same time and was left in for cycling.
Using Seachem Prime, Stability, and Stress Guard with each water change.
Aquarium Co-op Easy Green / Two pumps per week
Light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ZDMMYH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Plants glued to wood
Seachem Flourite
Fluval M50 heater / 78F
See below for tank details. Really trying to figure out what is causing the issues with the Java Fern in my tank. I suspect it is too much light. I need to get a timer, but outside of that I'm pretty much clueless. Does anyone have any suggestions or advice? Thank you in advance.
pH: 7.2 - 7.6
Ammonia: 0 ppm
Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: 5 - 10 ppm
KH: 3 drops / 53.7 ppm
GH: 6 drops / 107.4 ppm
10 gallon
Had tank setup for 3 months
Tetra Whisper 10 w/ sponge filter
1 Betta, 2 mystery snails
All decor added at about the same time and was left in for cycling.
Using Seachem Prime, Stability, and Stress Guard with each water change.
Aquarium Co-op Easy Green / Two pumps per week
Light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ZDMMYH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Plants glued to wood
Seachem Flourite
Fluval M50 heater / 78F
They're NICREW SkyLED Plus aquarium lights (here on Amazon), but I'm going to change them out for Arcadia Jungle Dawn LED light bars. They were good enough to get my plants off the ground in the beginning, but I think I need something a little stronger for this size of tank with denser foliage.
Hey all,
I just bought this light from amazon and I'm wondering what brightness to set it at. You can separately set the brightness of the white LEDs and blue LEDs on a scale from 6 (very bright) to 1 (barely on). My gut is telling me to just keep everything on the brightest setting and only control the duration that it's on. I'm planning to start low at 6 hours daily and increase if necessary.
This looks awesome! I'm still doing research and slowly getting the stuff I need to start my first tank as well. Would you mind listing the plants you used? Also is this the light that you're using? How do you like it so far?
Tank is 35 gallons and is finished cycling currently home to 6 silver danioa that will be traded back to the lfs soon
We were looking into growing carpet and more plants we have this light
I wrote this previously for someone else so if you got any questions let me know!
Okay if you want sand and want plants I would reccomend root tabs. Very cheap and easy you can even make your own. I have always made mines using the osmocote+ fertilizer. You can either put them in capsules and then put them underneath the sand OR since you are getting a new tank you can sprinkle a layer on the bottom glass and the soil on top. I would reccomend about 2-2.5 in of sand.
Now for light and plants. Lets use easy plants for ease as well as you will have an easier time finding them in stores and what not. Some Easy plants have these things called rhizomes so what you do with these kinds of plants is shove them between wood or rocks NEVER BURY THEM. (plants that do not go in the sand/gravel are called Epiphyte since they take in the nutrients from the water rather than the sand/gravel). With these types of plants its best to shove them in between rocks/wood.
Here are some easy plants that you could keep:
Anubias (any species of anubias) they are also Epiphytes so they do not go in the substrate. They are a very easy low light plant that grows at a medium/slow rate.
Java Fern (like what you have) also come in different species, they are a low light plant that is very easy to keep. They reproduce by 2 ways, growing a new leaf from the bottom or the leaf itself will grow another leaf from it. They sometimes have brown/black spores on the leaves and thats where new baby leaves grow from!
Amazon Swords. one of my favorite easy plants! They are heavy root feeders so they will go in the substrate, they love the root tabs and can grow and fill your tank up very nicely. They take a bit to adjust but once they grow roots and get settled in they will throw a new leaf out almost everyday! They need medium lights and are a relatively easy plant.
Cryptocoryne a very pretty plant that can come in different colors. It is an easy low light plant that can grow very nicely as long as it is not disturbed. I love them because the have bronze/red colors and they contrast the greens from the other plants. These go in the substrate
Rotala Rotundafolia one of my favorite long stem plants. You can easily reproduce them by cutting a piece in half and planting both. When they get too long again just cut them and replant the cuttings! They go in the substrate and will love the fertilizer. They are a medium light plant that is pretty easy imo.
Frogbit an easy floating plant. It grows pretty quickly and sucks up nitrates in the tank also very quickly! They dont require the brightest light but will appreciate it. The roots are fun for fish to swim through too. If you want to find some of these plants and you cant find them in store you can check out Aquaswap here on reddit. Local and shipping. I actually sell frogbit and rotala as well as java fern on there and many other people sell plants on there too!
Lighting. this is where you make it or break it. Yes the fertilizer is there but without lights then your plants will die. These would be my top picks for your tank. Only keep lights on for 6-10 hours depending on if you get algae or not. If you get algae reduce the lighting time if the plants are growing then extend the lighting time. 8hrs is the sweet spot.
I have this light on my 20g long tank and it is a very bright! You can dim it from the light itself if you need to!
I have the one linked above in the 18-24 in for my 20g long and its perfect for me! And I have some medium/higher light plants.
Another option would be this
and
Let me know if I missed anything lol
I wrote this previously for someone else so if you got any questions let me know! This may or may not apply to you since it was written before.
Okay if you want sand and want plants I would reccomend root tabs. Very cheap and easy you can even make your own. I have always made mines using the osmocote+ fertilizer. You can either put them in capsules and then put them underneath the sand OR since you are getting a new tank you can sprinkle a layer on the bottom glass and the soil on top. I would reccomend about 2-2.5 in of sand.
Now for light and plants. Lets use easy plants for ease as well as you will have an easier time finding them in stores and what not. Some Easy plants have these things called rhizomes so what you do with these kinds of plants is shove them between wood or rocks NEVER BURY THEM. (plants that do not go in the sand/gravel are called Epiphyte since they take in the nutrients from the water rather than the sand/gravel). With these types of plants its best to shove them in between rocks/wood.
Here are some easy plants that you could keep:
Anubias (any species of anubias) they are also Epiphytes so they do not go in the substrate. They are a very easy low light plant that grows at a medium/slow rate.
Java Fern also come in different species, they are a low light plant that is very easy to keep. They reproduce by 2 ways, growing a new leaf from the bottom or the leaf itself will grow another leaf from it. They sometimes have brown/black spores on the leaves and thats where new baby leaves grow from!
Amazon Swords. one of my favorite easy plants! They are heavy root feeders so they will go in the substrate, they love the root tabs and can grow and fill your tank up very nicely. They take a bit to adjust but once they grow roots and get settled in they will throw a new leaf out almost everyday! They need medium lights and are a relatively easy plant. just plant it in the soil to where the roots are covered.
Cryptocoryne a very pretty plant that can come in different colors. It is an easy low light plant that can grow very nicely as long as it is not disturbed. I love them because the have bronze/red colors and they contrast the greens from the other plants. These go in the substrate so just put them in the sand.
Rotala Rotundafolia one of my favorite long stem plants. You can easily reproduce them by cutting a piece in half and planting both. When they get too long again just cut them and replant the cuttings! They go in the substrate and will love the fertilizer. They are a medium light plant that is pretty easy imo. Literally just shove into soil or sand.
Frogbit an easy floating plant. It grows pretty quickly and sucks up nitrates in the tank also very quickly! They dont require the brightest light but will appreciate it. The roots are fun for fish to swim through too. If you want to find some of these plants and you cant find them in store you can check out Aquaswap here on reddit. Local and shipping. I actually sell frogbit and rotala as well as java fern on there and many other people sell plants on there too!
Lighting. this is where you make it or break it. Yes the fertilizer is there but without lights then your plants will die. These would be my top picks for your tank. Only keep lights on for 6-10 hours depending on if you get algae or not. If you get algae reduce the lighting time if the plants are growing then extend the lighting time. 8hrs is the sweet spot.
I have this light on my 20g long tank and it is a very bright! You can dim it from the light itself if you need to!
I have the one linked above in the 18-24 in for my 20g long and its perfect for me! And I have some medium/higher light plants.
Another option would be this
and
Let me know if I missed anything lol
Alright, someone else commented that the nicrew is better, so I guess I'll bite the bullet and test it out. I got this one
https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Freshwater-Brightness-Adjustable-Controller/dp/B083ZDMMYH/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=nicrew&qid=1620178342&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-4
it states it should give 95 par at 12" in air, I think the fluval said 65 PAR at 12".
It gets here friday, so I will let you know how I like it.
Nicrew, crazy cheap compared to most other lights and really nice quality I use them on all my tanks.
Yes try the most economical route first, which would be getting a stronger light, preferably with a full spectrum that is good for plants, like the LED lamp I linked to above, or something like this: https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Freshwater-Brightness-Adjustable-Controller/dp/B083ZDMMYH/
You should be able to get away with the above. If not, return and try this one if things don't improve. LED lights tend to be "boastful" of their capabilities so I usually find I need to get a step up than what manufacturers recommend.
Unfortunately good lights are really expensive so I'm trying to link you the most economical ones. NICREW seems to be a pretty decent budget brand, I bought one of their smaller lights for a nano tank. I do have another Finnex light that has lasted me almost a decade. Still works.
Eventually, if you have a good light, but not enough plants, you'll start getting algae. The solution would be to add more plants to outcompete the algae, or get algae-eaters, or use a timer to program in a mid-day "siesta", where the light goes off for a couple hours. That alone can drastically disrupt algae growth while still giving enough light to your plants.
Be prepared this a LONG POST! I wrote this comment a while back for other people so there may or may not be things that will benefit you.
Okay if you do sand and want plants I would reccomend root tabs. Very cheap and easy you can even make your own. I have always made mines using the osmocote+ fertilizer. You can either put them in capsules and then put them underneath the sand OR since you are getting a new tank you can sprinkle a layer on the bottom glass and the soil on top. I would reccomend about 2-2.5 in of sand.
Now for light and plants. Lets use easy plants for ease as well as you will have an easier time finding them in stores and what not. I see you have 2 plants in the tank, they appear to be Java Ferns, they should not be put in the gravel/sand because they will die. They have these things called rhizomes so what you do with these kinds of plants (plants that do not go in the sand/gravel are called Epiphyte since they take in the nutrients from the water rather than the sand/gravel). With these types of plants its best to shove them in between rocks/wood.
Here are some easy plants that you could keep:
Anubias (any species of anubias) they are also Epiphytes so they do not go in the substrate. They are a very easy low light plant that grows at a medium/slow rate.
Java Fern (like what you have) also come in different species, they are a low light plant that is very easy to keep. They reproduce by 2 ways, growing a new leaf from the bottom or the leaf itself will grow another leaf from it. They sometimes have brown/black spores on the leaves and thats where new baby leaves grow from!
Amazon Swords. one of my favorite easy plants! They are heavy root feeders so they will go in the substrate, they love the root tabs and can grow and fill your tank up very nicely. They take a bit to adjust but once they grow roots and get settled in they will throw a new leaf out almost everyday! They need medium lights and are a relatively easy plant.
Cryptocoryne a very pretty plant that can come in different colors. It is an easy low light plant that can grow very nicely as long as it is not disturbed. I love them because the have bronze/red colors and they contrast the greens from the other plants. These go in the substrate
Rotala Rotundafolia one of my favorite long stem plants. You can easily reproduce them by cutting a piece in half and planting both. When they get too long again just cut them and replant the cuttings! They go in the substrate and will love the fertilizer. They are a medium light plant that is pretty easy imo.
Frogbit an easy floating plant. It grows pretty quickly and sucks up nitrates in the tank also very quickly! They dont require the brightest light but will appreciate it. The roots are fun for fish to swim through too. If you want to find some of these plants and you cant find them in store you can check out Aquaswap here on reddit. Local and shipping. I actually sell frogbit and rotala as well as java fern on there and many other people sell plants on there too!
Lighting. this is where you make it or break it. Yes the fertilizer is there but without lights then your plants will die. These would be my top picks for your tank. Only keep lights on for 6-10 hours depending on if you get algae or not. If you get algae reduce the lighting time if the plants are growing then extend the lighting time. 8hrs is the sweet spot.
I have this light on my 20g long tank and it is a very bright! You can dim it from the light itself if you need to!
I have the one linked above in the 18-24 in for my 20g long and its perfect for me! And I have some medium/higher light plants.
Another option would be this
and
Let me know if I missed anything lol
A honey gourami pair and 6 ember tetras would be the max for a 10g tank. Or 1 Honey gourami and 8 embers.
For Plants:
I wrote this previously for someone else so if you got any questions let me know! This may or may not apply to you since it was written before.
Okay if you want sand and want plants I would reccomend root tabs. Very cheap and easy you can even make your own. I have always made mines using the osmocote+ fertilizer. You can either put them in capsules and then put them underneath the sand OR since you are getting a new tank you can sprinkle a layer on the bottom glass and the soil on top. I would reccomend about 2-2.5 in of sand.
Now for light and plants. Lets use easy plants for ease as well as you will have an easier time finding them in stores and what not. Some Easy plants have these things called rhizomes so what you do with these kinds of plants is shove them between wood or rocks NEVER BURY THEM. (plants that do not go in the sand/gravel are called Epiphyte since they take in the nutrients from the water rather than the sand/gravel). With these types of plants its best to shove them in between rocks/wood.
Here are some easy plants that you could keep:
Anubias (any species of anubias) they are also Epiphytes so they do not go in the substrate. They are a very easy low light plant that grows at a medium/slow rate.
Java Fern also come in different species, they are a low light plant that is very easy to keep. They reproduce by 2 ways, growing a new leaf from the bottom or the leaf itself will grow another leaf from it. They sometimes have brown/black spores on the leaves and thats where new baby leaves grow from!
Amazon Swords. one of my favorite easy plants! They are heavy root feeders so they will go in the substrate, they love the root tabs and can grow and fill your tank up very nicely. They take a bit to adjust but once they grow roots and get settled in they will throw a new leaf out almost everyday! They need medium lights and are a relatively easy plant. just plant it in the soil to where the roots are covered.
Cryptocoryne a very pretty plant that can come in different colors. It is an easy low light plant that can grow very nicely as long as it is not disturbed. I love them because the have bronze/red colors and they contrast the greens from the other plants. These go in the substrate so just put them in the sand.
Rotala Rotundafolia one of my favorite long stem plants. You can easily reproduce them by cutting a piece in half and planting both. When they get too long again just cut them and replant the cuttings! They go in the substrate and will love the fertilizer. They are a medium light plant that is pretty easy imo. Literally just shove into soil or sand.
Frogbit an easy floating plant. It grows pretty quickly and sucks up nitrates in the tank also very quickly! They dont require the brightest light but will appreciate it. The roots are fun for fish to swim through too. If you want to find some of these plants and you cant find them in store you can check out Aquaswap here on reddit. Local and shipping. I actually sell frogbit and rotala as well as java fern on there and many other people sell plants on there too!
Lighting. this is where you make it or break it. Yes the fertilizer is there but without lights then your plants will die. These would be my top picks for your tank. Only keep lights on for 6-10 hours depending on if you get algae or not. If you get algae reduce the lighting time if the plants are growing then extend the lighting time. 8hrs is the sweet spot.
I have this light on my 20g long tank and it is a very bright! You can dim it from the light itself if you need to!
I have the one linked above in the 18-24 in for my 20g long and its perfect for me! And I have some medium/higher light plants.
Another option would be this
and
Let me know if I missed anything lol
Be prepared this a LONG POST!
Okay if you do sand and want plants I would reccomend root tabs. Very cheap and easy you can even make your own. I have always made mines using the osmocote+ fertilizer. You can either put them in capsules and then put them underneath the sand OR since you are getting a new tank you can sprinkle a layer on the bottom glass and the soil on top. I would reccomend about 2-2.5 in of sand.
If you do get a 20g long tank then I would reccomend some piece of wood as a centerpiece. Petco has Mopani wood and if you go in store you can get a nice big piece for like $7 if you price match from the app. You get to pick how you want it to look like depending on availability. Soak the wood for a day or 2 or boil the wood to make sure it is good to go! This type of wood can release tannins, which make the water look like tea but it is beneficial to fish. If you do not want the color there is stuff you can add in your filter to remove the tint or do a water change. Usually the tint never happens as long as you boil or soak a couple times.
​
Now for light and plants. Lets use easy plants for ease as well as you will have an easier time finding them in stores and what not. I see you have 2 plants in the tank, they appear to be Java Ferns, they should not be put in the gravel/sand because they will die. They have these things called rhizomes so what you do with these kinds of plants (plants that do not go in the sand/gravel are called Epiphyte since they take in the nutrients from the water rather than the sand/gravel). With these types of plants its best to shove them in between rocks/wood.
Here are some easy plants that you could keep:
Anubias (any species of anubias) they are also Epiphytes so they do not go in the substrate. They are a very easy low light plant that grows at a medium/slow rate.
Java Fern (like what you have) also come in different species, they are a low light plant that is very easy to keep. They reproduce by 2 ways, growing a new leaf from the bottom or the leaf itself will grow another leaf from it. They sometimes have brown/black spores on the leaves and thats where new baby leaves grow from!
Amazon Swords. one of my favorite easy plants! They are heavy root feeders so they will go in the substrate, they love the root tabs and can grow and fill your tank up very nicely. They take a bit to adjust but once they grow roots and get settled in they will throw a new leaf out almost everyday! They need medium lights and are a relatively easy plant.
Cryptocoryne a very pretty plant that can come in different colors. It is an easy low light plant that can grow very nicely as long as it is not disturbed. I love them because the have bronze/red colors and they contrast the greens from the other plants. These go in the substrate
Rotala Rotundafolia one of my favorite long stem plants. You can easily reproduce them by cutting a piece in half and planting both. When they get too long again just cut them and replant the cuttings! They go in the substrate and will love the fertilizer. They are a medium light plant that is pretty easy imo.
Frogbit an easy floating plant. It grows pretty quickly and sucks up nitrates in the tank also very quickly! They dont require the brightest light but will appreciate it. The roots are fun for fish to swim through too. If you want to find some of these plants and you cant find them in store you can check out Aquaswap here on reddit. Local and shipping. I actually sell frogbit and rotala as well as java fern on there and many other people sell plants on there too!
​
Lighting. this is where you make it or break it. Yes the fertilizer is there but without lights then your plants will die. These would be my top picks for your tank. Only keep lights on for 6-10 hours depending on if you get algae or not. If you get algae reduce the lighting time if the plants are growing then extend the lighting time. 8hrs is the sweet spot.
I have this light on my 20g long tank and it is a very bright! You can dim it from the light itself if you need to!
I have the one linked above in the 18-24 in for my 20g long and its perfect for me! And I have some medium/higher light plants.
Another option would be this
and
​
Let me know if I missed anything lol
These are the lights I use. My setup isn’t finished yet. I am waiting on my plants and driftwood to arrive. Plants are coming tomorrow. Should have the driftwood by Saturday https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Freshwater-Brightness-Adjustable-Controller/dp/B083ZDMMYH I also use these timers. https://www.amazon.com/NICREW-Channel-Digital-ClassicLED-BrightLED/dp/B07WT8VK28
How would I find the PAR rating for a light then? I have this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B083ZDMMYH/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I use $25 lights from Amazon Nicrew
But I have a 24/7 Finex from a previous aquarium and it's working too. But for $100 I'll buy the Nicrew Everytime.
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