View Full Version : Lighting suggestions, please
romaric
02-04-2008, 1:41 PM
Hi all. I'm getting a 20 long tank soon, my first. I've asked a lot of questions here, thanks for all the help.
The last thing I need is my lighting.
I'm going for a planted tank and would like some advice on lighting for a 20 gl long, please. I plan to have a few tetras in there, but mostly plants.
Do I usually need 2 watts per gallon? Is that true?
Thanks in advance!
romaric.
ps, I haven't been on in a while cause I was moving and couldn't set up my tank, but I'm all moved in and good to go!
theotheragentm
02-04-2008, 3:37 PM
What kind of plants do you want? That should be the starting point. Different plants need different lighting. 2 WPG should be enough for most plants, but on others it won't be enough. Take a look through Plant Geek (http://www.plantgeek.net/) for what plants you like.
romaric
02-05-2008, 3:43 PM
hmmm, well, I don't really know what I want. I'm very new to this. Anything beginner and easy to maintain would be great. Can you suggest a plant/lighting set up for me? There are so many options for lighting, this is the last thing I'm getting hung up on and I'm ready to start!
Here are a few links to planted tanks I like:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mark_v_socal/1234908647/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bereninga/317810126/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mark_v_socal/1234908647/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lifecapture/275439176/
THANKS!!
all those tanks are nice and require med-high light especially with those foreground plants.. The light kinda depends on how much you are willing to spend. You can go with an ahsupply kit, coralife, current usa or even a diy light.. With all those you should aim at 2.5-3+wpg to keep those plants running..
But also remember its not just the light, its also ferts/co2 which made those tanks look the way they are right now..
romaric
02-05-2008, 4:04 PM
Thanks for the info! Yes, I have fert and a co2 system on order.
I think I found some good lighting! Can someone confirm that this is a good buy for me, please?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13733&pcatid=13733
I'm looking into the 24", 130 watts, Includes a 21" 65 watt Actinic & a 21" 65 watt, 10000°K bulb
(Straight pin base)
that goes for $150.
Looks ok?
Biggest question!!! That lighting is 24" long and my tank is 30" long!
When I buy the lighting arms, will the lights cover enough of the tank??
that's 3 extra inches on each side, tank vs. lighting length.
Can anyone confirm that this is ok to buy?
THANK YOU!!
its not okay to buy.. If you are looking to grow plants then you need a freshwater light strip. Check out bigalsonline.com or seacorals.net and you will find a 30" FRESHWATER strip there. 1- it will fit your tank perfectly, no dark spots 2- it will be perfect for plants since bulbs are 6,700K
But are you sure you want 6.5wpg?? thats a bit 2 much and you risk algae bloom.. Why not try 65w (just an opinion, not trying to force anything on you)
romaric
02-05-2008, 5:14 PM
oh thanks, dood!
No, I really do appreciate all the help! I want to get this as right as I can the first time around. Yes, that wattage did seem a little extreme!
I'll take a look at those sites, thank you!!!
If I can find a single 65 that's 30" long, that would be awesome!
:)
no problem and if you got any more questions shoot them here.
romaric
02-05-2008, 5:42 PM
thanks bk828! (you're not in Brooklyn, are you?)
so, I found this on seacorals.net!
Looks like the one I need, whattya think?
http://store.seacorals.net/30co6aq65wsi.html
I'll just order a set of mounting legs and I'll be set.
Does this look good to you? 65 watts looks good...
That particular one would be good for your 20 and will give you enough light to grow a variety of plants. mounting legs will do or a glass canopy. Shoot an email to Bigalsonline.com I believe they had that same model for a bit cheaper, they just dont have it on their online order list for now.
And yes i am from brooklyn.
romaric
02-05-2008, 6:02 PM
Cool, thanks so much! I will write big al's.
I just moved to park slope from upper east side!
NICE!! Close by! :)
yee not 2 far. Theres another member on here whos actually in park slope.
romaric
02-06-2008, 12:03 PM
Thanks for all your help, man!
I got all my things ordered and will be posting progress soon.
ps, I looked at your planted pics, it looks totally awesome, very well done!
.romaric
romaric
02-16-2008, 9:32 PM
I am planting my tank as we speak!
What a great way to spend a Saturday night!!
pics coming sooooon...
-roma
romaric
02-17-2008, 3:37 AM
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!
Day 01, my first tank ever!
so amazing, so excited. special thanks to star rider, bk828, mellow, and ms j.
More updates tomorrow, I'm already getting some pearling. C02 hasn't even kicked in yet...
This is so awesome....
http://www.thegalactica.com/aqua/01.jpg.
http://www.thegalactica.com/aqua/02.jpg.
http://www.thegalactica.com/aqua/03.jpg.
http://www.thegalactica.com/aqua/04.jpg.
http://www.thegalactica.com/aqua/05.jpg.
http://www.thegalactica.com/aqua/06.jpg.
irishspy
02-17-2008, 12:46 PM
Well done! :clap:
What's the red plant you have on the left?
romaric
02-17-2008, 12:56 PM
Thanks Irish Spy! I'm wicked excited.
I'll write a new post with the process, more pics and names of plants.
I was told that red one in the foreground is called "Red Nesea"
I did some research and found this:
http://www.floridaaquatic.com/aquarium_plant_nesea_red.html
I think I need to move it to the back, but Ima research it more and see if that's true.
Nice, I like the red plant:headbang2: whats the substrate ? or did I miss that somewhere:confused:
romaric
02-17-2008, 3:31 PM
hey Icom, thank you!
I used two bags of eco complete.
New post listing all products coming soon!
grannylvsfish
02-17-2008, 3:34 PM
thanks bk828! (you're not in Brooklyn, are you?)
so, I found this on seacorals.net!
Looks like the one I need, whattya think?
http://store.seacorals.net/30co6aq65wsi.html
I'll just order a set of mounting legs and I'll be set.
Does this look good to you? 65 watts looks good...
I got that one!! my tank is beautiful and full of light! and its not nearly as expensive.
romaric
02-17-2008, 3:44 PM
GREAT! YES! mine is working out beautifully as well.
grannylvsfish
02-17-2008, 3:52 PM
I like this little plant, what is it?http://www.thegalactica.com/aqua/04.jpg
grannylvsfish
02-17-2008, 3:52 PM
where did you buy the plants from? there real nice!
Nice tank, the plant colors are amazing, you got them at chinatown???
granny i think that plant is baby tears.
romaric
02-17-2008, 4:19 PM
yep, BK is right, it's baby tears. See my new post for a full breakdown.
BK, I went to chinatown, but didn't see any I liked.
I got all of these at New World Aquarium, upper east side.
Check the new post for full descriptions :)
yep, BK is right, it's baby tears. See my new post for a full breakdown.
BK, I went to chinatown, but didn't see any I liked.
I got all of these at New World Aquarium, upper east side.
Check the new post for full descriptions :)
Yea new world has some great plants but the price is ehhhh so so. How much did you drop for all of them there???
edit: lol nvm prices are included in new post.. good job
mellowvision
02-17-2008, 5:19 PM
pictures are broken...
romaric
02-17-2008, 5:24 PM
sorry mellow...changed my directory. There back up now, opr check newest post for full description :)
romaric
02-29-2008, 12:27 AM
sorry, didn't mean to post in this thread...still learning the ins and out os AC...
BigAl08
03-29-2008, 10:48 AM
thanks bk828! (you're not in Brooklyn, are you?)
so, I found this on seacorals.net!
Looks like the one I need, whattya think?
http://store.seacorals.net/30co6aq65wsi.html
I'll just order a set of mounting legs and I'll be set.
Does this look good to you? 65 watts looks good...
What ever you do, do NOT buy from SeaCorals! Look the up on the Better Business Bereau or RipOff.com or just google their name "SeaCoals" and see what you'll find. Remember when a price seems "Too good to be true it probably IS!" With SeaCorals you're only wasting your money at best!!
Sincerely,
Allen :)