Confused About Lighting for 29 gal Low Light Plants

eeyipes

eeyipes

AC Members
Jun 11, 2008
175
1
18
Washington IA
Looking to upgrade lighting for 29 gal to support some anubias, java fern, java moss, guppy grass - low light, easy plants. Right now I just have a single strip light, not sure what the wattage is - just the standard thing that came with the tank.

Was looking at some dual light strips at Big Al's, would this one work ok?

http://www.bigalsonline.com/edealin...684&siId=1379085&catParentID=18360&scId=18360

Or would this be better?

http://www.bigalsonline.com/edealin...684&siId=2949168&catParentID=18360&scId=18360

Or this 65 watt single light?

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...0_strip?&query=30"+65+watt&queryType=0&offset=

Just trying to figure out what I need so I can shop around a bit. Obviously the least $$ I have to spend to do the trick, the better!

Are these light strips pretty standard sizes, meaning if I buy the 30" for my 30" tank, it should fit right on a standard glass tank cover?

Thanks all!
 
I have java moss, java fern , anubias and cryptocoryne .under 17watt over a 29..they grow really slow.

I also have a double light fixture over another 29 with the same plants they grow much better.

add a little more wattage (40 over 29g) and I am growing those plus rotala, ludwiga, crypt, money wort, pennywort and amazon frogbit.. and they grow like crazy.
the tank does get a bit of natural sunlight spilled into it too.

this is my experiment tank...I am adding more sugar yeast co2 to see if it does more.

the 30" lights should be fine..whioch you choose is up to you tho for a low maint set up the t-5 light should work fine.
 
If you are planning on staying low tech, low light then I think you should aim for between 1-2 watts per gallon. So you will want about 30-55 watts. I really like AHsupply lights but they do require some assembly which really wasn't difficult. Of the three you linked to, I like the Current USA Nova Extreme 30" 2x24W T-5 10,000K - Freshwater
 
So the 2 18w T5's would be OK? The tank is near a window, so it does also get some indirect natural light as well.

I like the Nova too, but it's a bit pricey for me.
 
Thank you, everyone. I've ordered the T5 lights!
 
might want to look at retro fitting your hood or getting one that lets you have screw in bulbs....

cfl-light.jpg
 
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