Planted Aquarium Lighting - What should I buy?

9 posts

Discuss all topics related to freshwater and planted tanks.


LeviNHeidi4480
 
Posts: 46
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:26 pm

Planted Aquarium Lighting - What should I buy?

by LeviNHeidi4480

I have been looking to upgrade my lighting for plant growing purposes. I recently came across a High Output Compact Flourescent, 110W setup (2 bulbs). I was wondering if anyone had any input on if this would be a good idea. I have read that the compact flourescent lighting gives you a lot of bang for your buck. This would also increase my wattage per gallon immensely. I have also come across a T5 HO setup. This one requires 2 40W T5 bulbs. Any suggestions would be great. By the way, the aquarium is a 55 gallon.


LeviNHeidi4480
 
Posts: 46
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:26 pm

by LeviNHeidi4480

One more thing. I am kind of leaning towards the Compact setup because it comes with the bulbs. With the T5, I would have to buy the bulbs also.


spongebob4460
 
Posts: 603
Joined: Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:37 am

by spongebob4460

I dont know too much about planted tanks, but i do know the correct lighting depends heavily on the types of plants you intend on keeping, as some use different strengths of light than others. So include a list of plants you would like to keep, that will better help determine your needs.


LeviNHeidi4480
 
Posts: 46
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:26 pm

by LeviNHeidi4480

Thanks Spongebob. We currently have Microsword, Amazon Sword Plant, Moneywort, Wisteria, and a few others. We would like to also create a carpet effect with either Riccia, Java Moss, or the microsword.


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

by Peterkarig3210

A lot of people seem to like the PC's. I've heard that the new VHO's that have come out only this year are fantastic, much better than the older VHO's like I guess I have. Another light that I've heard great things about are the SHO compact fluorescents that screw into any incandescent fixture. These are very efficient and you can use hoods that have only incandescent screw in receptacles. They're only like $8.oo or something and I'm gona get some for sure.


LeviNHeidi4480
 
Posts: 46
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:26 pm

by LeviNHeidi4480

Yeah, I have heard good things about the screw-in type also. I am going to try to track down a fixture that will handle them. Thanks for the suggestion.


gumbii
 
Posts: 1695
Joined: Tue Dec 04, 2007 3:31 am

by gumbii

go to a hydrophonics store... there's one local to me, and they push metal halides to every application...

someone told me about flourix from home depot... hint hint...


LeviNHeidi4480
 
Posts: 46
Joined: Sat Jan 26, 2008 10:26 pm

by LeviNHeidi4480

Thanks for your replies everyone. I decided to go with the Power Compact setup. WOW! What a difference 90 more watts will make! My plants should love it. I'll keep you posted on the results.


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

by Peterkarig3210

Good going. Now start saving money for replacement bulbs! After 6-10 months the bulbs will be shot and you'll need to replace them, and new ones are $30-$50 a bulb!

Planted Aquarium Lighting - What should I buy?

9 posts

Display posts from previous: Sort by: