![]() ![]() If you have worked with LED lighting before, you are probably familiar with the basic features of most models across manufacturers. If you are simply a marine enthusiast, you can still enjoy the benefits of a professional-level lighting system, but you should conduct adequate research beforehand. Some lighting systems do not offer ample instruction during setup because they are designed to accommodate the needs of professionals. It is essential to consider whether the product you are planning to buy is suited to beginners. It’s important to consider the following factors when choosing a grow light: Usability LED lighting devices vary between manufacturers, and there is no universal model that will work for every reef tank. Things to Consider Before Buying an LED Light for Your Reef Tank With that said, here are some other things you may want to consider before buying an LED light for your aquarium. We’ll weigh some of the pros and cons so you can make a more informed decision about this LED light. In this in-depth review, we will tell you everything you should know about the features of the AI Hydra 26 HD LED Light, a popular option amongst marine enthusiasts. Lighting determines how quickly the plants and corals in your aquarium grow. These lights are not just for effect and to illuminate your fish proper growing light is essential to the health of your aquarium ecosystem. You should also purchase aquarium LED lights, a type of equipment that many people choose not to purchase. You need to consider filter media, the nutrition of your marine life, etc. You need to keep the water in the tank clean and free of any contaminants. There are many factors to consider, including whether your coral and fish are compatible with each other. There are tons we can get into such as nutrient deficiency, dosing fertilizers, CO2, PAR, aquascaping, design, etc but this setup should work and you can learn as you go! Definitely check out forums and join a local club as you learn more in this hobby.Anyone who owns aquatic animals will tell you that maintaining a saltwater or marine aquarium isn’t easy. There's a lot of information in this hobby and this is just a simple starting point. In my opinion, it's better to be lacking in nutrients from having too many plants than it is to let algae grow to the point of OUTCOMPETING your plants for nutrients. The key to starting a planted tank is having a lot of plants in the beginning so algae doesn't dominate. It's as easy and cheap as that! Remember. □ Cycle your tank with your preferred method and add fish when ready (if you don't know what cycling is, please researchīefore adding any livestock like fish or shrimp!).□ Set your light fixture on top and set the timer for 6-8 hours a day.□ Plant your plants! Use your fingers or tweezers (gently) to put the roots into the substrate - You can also buy some stainless steel tweezers made for planted aquariums if your budget allows it.□ Throw your substrate in the 10g tank and dampen with some water.It is a huge beginner mistake to start with a few clumps of plants! You have been warned. When starting a planted tank, remember you want to have a lot of plants on day 1 with fast growth rates! If you only have slow growing plants, algae will take over and your plants will get starved out for nutrients. CRYPTOCORYNE (fast growing) - Comes in a lot of color varieties.Anubias (slow growing) - Tie this to a rock or wood with string/rubberband.Floating Plants (frog bit or dwarf water lettuce).Christmas or java moss (slow/moderate growing).IF you have a local fish store that sells plants, even better! Some great plants to start with ($50-100) Next up we need some plants and hardscape (if you're interested in rocks or wood)! Find out if you have a local planted tank groups around your area to get cheaper plants. This is basically all the major hardware you'll need for around $100!! This equipment will form the backbone of your planted aquarium! *If you live in a cold area or need higher temperatures for certain fish you want to keep, get a 50 watt heater. Outdoor Timer (if you have smart plug, even better) - $5-10.17.6 lb bag of Fluval Stratum Substrate - Approximately $50, check link for latest price. ![]() Azoo HOB filter 150 - Approximately $18, check link for latest price.NICREW Light - Approximately $20, check link for latest price.10 gallon fish tank (take advantage of $1/gallon sale at petco) - $10.You can start one today and find out if this hobby is right for you! If you end up liking it, you'll gain some experience to get more expensive equipment when you can afford to! □ Big 3 (~$100) This guide is for people who have some experience in fish keeping. I'm here to tell you that you don't need all the latest brands and equipment. Especially if you are a student or don't have a lot of money. Starting a planted aquarium can seem a little overwhelming and expensive at first. ![]()
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