View Full Version : 55G planted- Light help needed
DooSPX
08-31-2008, 7:29 PM
our 55G came with the lighted hood, two 18W lights. I need something that will grow val and hydrilla (sp?) and not wash out the fish. what do you recommend?
Right now, you've got 0.6 watts per gallon (wpg). You usually want to aim for at LEAST 1 wpg, which would mean that you'll want a fixture that gives off at least 55 watts of light. But that wattage is only for low-light plants like Java Fern and Moss.
For Vals, you should probably aim more for 1.5 to 2 wpg.
High Output (HO) T5 fixtures are the most recommended around here, since they give off the purest light with a low heat output.
DooSPX
08-31-2008, 7:57 PM
thanks, the lights are two 18" strips. what kind of strips do we need?
You are most likely going to need an entirely new lighting fixture.
I'll assume that your fixture is a double T8 fixture. Go to www.bigalsonline.com and search through the T5 fixtures there. You'll need to know the length of your tank. The rest is pretty self-explanatory in the description of the fixtures on that site. :)
DooSPX
08-31-2008, 8:14 PM
thanks
the tank is 48"
your typical 55G
Fordtrannyman
08-31-2008, 8:59 PM
ahsupply for sure
A 2X55 Watt AH Supply Bright kit will get you the most bang for your buck.
http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm
This kit will fit right inside your existing strip light housing.
You have to buy the bulbs separate. Their brand of 6700K bulbs are really yellow. I recommend the GE9325K, here is a good place to get those.
http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=F55BX-AR-FS
I'd recommend buying the strip pre-built. AHsupply is good but you have to purchase your bulbs separately and that's where the savings end. Plus T5 lighting has the advantages of running cooler and a better spread.
Bigal's: $111 shipped
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18360/si2949160/cl0/currentusanovaextreme482x54wt510000kfreshwater
AHsupply: - $65 for fixture, $35 bulbs, $10 shipping - $110 shipped
http://ahsupply.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=3
Fordtrannyman
08-31-2008, 10:19 PM
I'd recommend buying the strip pre-built. AHsupply is good but you have to purchase your bulbs separately and that's where the savings end. Plus T5 lighting has the advantages of running cooler and a better spread.
Bigal's: $111 shipped
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18360/si2949160/cl0/currentusanovaextreme482x54wt510000kfreshwater
AHsupply: - $65 for fixture, $35 bulbs, $10 shipping - $110 shipped
http://ahsupply.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=3
Additional costs with a fixture might include Versa top and canopy.
Mgamer20o0
09-01-2008, 12:20 AM
you can get the bulbs cheaper though.....
a lot of people are moving to t5 though. i would also check out hagen i hear a lot of people talking about them.
you can get the bulbs cheaper though.....
a lot of people are moving to t5 though. i would also check out hagen i hear a lot of people talking about them.
PC bulbs cheaper than $16-17 each?