Sorry about the late reply. Yes, I started with 6 hours and have increased to 8. I found anything more would grow algae, mileage may vary depending on your system and parameters.
Some things I noticed that worked for my tank so far:
- Doing weekly 2 gallon water changes helped a lot at the beginning. I'm now starting to see that I could do 2 week intervals, but my bio load has declined and I feed very lightly.
- Invest in an RO unit, that you can add DI resin later. Saves trips to the store and pays for itself very quickly. I was making water runs 2-3 times a week. Less if I had the cover on. W/O cover, I'd go through about 4 gallons of top off water each week. With winter setting in, in MN, I'm sure it'll get worse.
- Invest in an auto-top-off unit with a 5 gallon bucket. Keeping whatever parameters you have is key. An ATO really helps out in a small tank.
- Although water changes can keep parameters in check, I got a skimmer to help keep things stable. Invest in a skimmer if you haven't. I have the tunze 9001, modified the magnet on the skimmer to its side to fit the tank. I didn't want to remove a baffle to fit the skimmer in. There's other choices that will fit without any modifications, I only have experience with this one.
- I have good experience with the spin streams return nozzles, each with its own return pump (original + a small mag I had laying around). Others have recommended Sicce 1.5 or small, or maxi jet 600 & 900 series. No modifications for these to fit.
- If you have the lid, use it. I've lost more money on fish that I could have enough to get a hydra26 light. Also, it helps with evaporation.
Hope this helps. It's a great starter tank for me and I hope you have success with yours.
