View Full Version : 45g - 2x55w or 2x96w - that is the question
I have a 36"x12"x23" All-Glass 45g that I cleaned up and resealed. I also purchased a Fluval 304 can., and will be buying CO2 pressurized. Already found a shop to purchase a 10lb for $60.00 filled.
But, I don't know what would be best as far as lighting. A 2x55w would give me 2.4wpg - but would I be better off in the long run with a 2x96w @ 4.2wpg?
I found JMHart's thread (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=141842&highlight=substrate&page=9), and he has the exact same aquarium, and he is running 2x96. That seems like allot of light, but then again, his tank looks amazing. I want amazing too. :thm:
I should mention this will be my first planted tank. I think I'm a bit ocd, as I've been reading the forums every day since I acquired my tank. :help:
bushwhacker
01-09-2009, 5:57 PM
i dont think you really need that much light to begin with... as your just starting out without experiance with the co2 and ferts your lookin at an algae factory
jmhart
01-09-2009, 6:01 PM
Well, I'll go ahead and give you my thoughts. 2x96w IS a lot of lighting for a 45g tank. I currently have 2 different bulbs in. One bulb is an AH Supply 10,000k and the other is a Coralife 6700k-Colormax bulb. I run the 10,000k bulb for about 8 hours, and the 6500k-Colormax for only 5.5. Even with this, I absolutely must keep my co2 maxed out or else I'm in algae city.
This combination really brings out the colors I want to see in my tank. However, were I doing the whole thing over, I would consider T5 lighting instead of power compact. 4x39w T5 would be fantastic for my tank, running 2 Geissman Midday, 1 11,000k Geissman, and 1 Colormax.....that's probably what I would do if I were doing it all over again.
However, 2x96w has been nice, as long as I keep the photoperiod and co2 in check.
Being new to planted tank scene i would start out on lower lighting. Like jmhart said 2x96 over a 45g is alot of lighting. And with a ton of lighting comes a ton of work. You always have to be on top of your dosing/co2. I also agree with jmhart on the t-5>pc bulb comment. I also if had a chance to start over i would go with t-5. But im not saying that the pc kits (especially ones from ahsupply) are not worth it. I think they are the cadilac of pc lighting. The kits truly deliver that extra 60% more light to the tank. But t-5 is the next big thing.
So here are your options:
2x55w from ahsupply = $100+ shipping
4x39w from catalina t-5 = $250+ shipping
2 strips of 2x39 from drfosters Nova extreme slr t-5 = $75/each + shipping
If you go with either of the t-5 fixtures, you can start out by just keeping 2 bulbs on 8hrs a day. And once you get more plants in the tank and find the balance, you can start upping the photoperiod to 2bulbs on for 8hrs a day, having the other 2 bulbs go on for the last 2-3hrs of the photoperiod. (as to give the plants a final burst)
i dont think you really need that much light to begin withThank you for your advice - others agree so thank you!
4x39w T5 would be fantastic for my tank, running 2 Geissman Midday, 1 11,000k Geissman, and 1 Colormax.....that's probably what I would do if I were doing it all over again.With that lighting combo, what type of lighting schedule would you use?
4x39w from catalina t-5 = $250+ shipping
2 strips of 2x39 from drfosters Nova extreme slr t-5 = $75/each + shippingDumb question, but they have two models of the 36". I assume I want the freshwater one, CD-29699.
If you go with either of the t-5 fixtures, you can start out by just keeping 2 bulbs on 8hrs a day. And once you get more plants in the tank and find the balance, you can start upping the photoperiod to 2bulbs on for 8hrs a day, having the other 2 bulbs go on for the last 2-3hrs of the photoperiod.So I could buy one 2x39 unit now, and add a second down the road? Would there be room for 2 separate units on my tank?
Thanks so much. As a newbie, I can't tell you how much it means to have a community of aquarists willing to help.
yup you would need the FW model.
Each of the nova strips i believe is 5.5" so with 2 on there you will have 1" wiggle room for the filter tubes.
I know wpg is kind of a general rule, but since T5 is more efficient, what kind of plants could I do with 1.7wpg of t5? (2x39) Any medium plants you think?
Any thoughts on the Hagen GLO T5 HO? (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+19759&pcatid=19759)
hagen glo is good but i think someone said that they will be discontinuing their lights. Plus the hagen glo kits have simple reflectors while with the ahsupply/catalina/nova extreme from drfoster.. all have single lamp reflectors.
with 1.7wpg from t-5 i think you would be able to grow some medium light plants but you might not get the full coloring out of them. (my brain is fried tonight but i dont remember if the wpg rule applies to t-5 bulbs :headshake2:)
I have a strip across the middle of my tank - will this effect the lighting at all? Anyone ever just cut it out?
Also, do you know any sites that go into detail on the differences between CF, T5 HO, etc?
I have a strip across the middle of my tank - will this effect the lighting at all? Anyone ever just cut it out?
Also, do you know any sites that go into detail on the differences between CF, T5 HO, etc?
dont cut the center brace, its there to support the front/back glass from bowing. Cut it and you will have 45g of water to clean up off the floor.
hmm dont think i can recall any sites off hand on sites that go into detail and differences with the pc/t5 lighting.
just check the manufacturer sites
Check also rexgrigg.com i think he might have some info on lighting (not 100% sure )