SuperColey1
Planted Section
Just a note from reading these posts.
The T5's in the Juwel should be adequate but you do need reflectors. They don't double the light as a fluorescent bulb is circular and radiates the light outward. Therefore (example) if you have a 30W light then 10% will go directly down, 20% diagonally down and the rest sideways or away from the tank.
Therefore if you want to utiise the 30W the reflector is necessary as it will redirect the 70% wasted light back toward the tank. The white plastic inserts these tanks put in the hood aren't really fit for purpose here.
There are cheap options available on aquatics-onine.co.uk who do the Juwel and Arcadia reflectors (I would choose the Arcadia ones) but make sure you get T5 ones as reflectors are angled for the diameter of bulb they are meant to fit (and they clip onto the bulb so you don't want too big clips for the bulb)
I quite like your little drawing although these plans always look nice on paper and then the plants say 'no way' lol.
Try it out and try not to tinker too much in the first few months. Let it settle and prune as required, then after a few months decide what you want to do next. This will give you time to let the tank settle and balance out and also for you to experience/learn the problems a newish tank can face before setting out on your desired look.
Good Luck
Andy
The T5's in the Juwel should be adequate but you do need reflectors. They don't double the light as a fluorescent bulb is circular and radiates the light outward. Therefore (example) if you have a 30W light then 10% will go directly down, 20% diagonally down and the rest sideways or away from the tank.
Therefore if you want to utiise the 30W the reflector is necessary as it will redirect the 70% wasted light back toward the tank. The white plastic inserts these tanks put in the hood aren't really fit for purpose here.
There are cheap options available on aquatics-onine.co.uk who do the Juwel and Arcadia reflectors (I would choose the Arcadia ones) but make sure you get T5 ones as reflectors are angled for the diameter of bulb they are meant to fit (and they clip onto the bulb so you don't want too big clips for the bulb)
I quite like your little drawing although these plans always look nice on paper and then the plants say 'no way' lol.
Try it out and try not to tinker too much in the first few months. Let it settle and prune as required, then after a few months decide what you want to do next. This will give you time to let the tank settle and balance out and also for you to experience/learn the problems a newish tank can face before setting out on your desired look.
Good Luck
Andy
