Lights for planted tank..

[chris_s612]

So I went to my LFS today to get a light setup for a 29 gal tank. I want my tank to be heavily planted, so I need a good amount of light.

They had a 48w T5HO setup for $90 and said that will give me enough light to maintain plants. Everything I had read on the internet though tells me I should have at least 2 watts per gallon...obviously the 48w setup won't get me to 2 wpg. This setup however apparently produces light in the correct spectrum that plants need to grow, which is more important anyways, am I correct?

[colinsk]

48 watts and a good reflector are going to be enough. I am running 55 watts in my 29 gallon and have great growth. I think color is over rated. If you get a chance try to read "The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium". It is one of my favorite books.

[Blueiz]

If you tank is a standard 29, you will need a 24 inch strip for it. The price at your LFS is a bit much. Personally Id search around the internet for a better deal.

Im noty sure about the reflectors in this one.. but Im sure someone else can throw some input on it. http://www.fishneedit.com/t5ho-24quot-2-lamp-aquarium-l.html

[bluekrissyspike]

i think that should do as long as the light is in the right spectrum. you just won;t be able to grow some of the more needy plants, but there are sooo many low and medium light plants that should do well under that amount of light, i wouldn't worry. a lot of people have a lot more light that they need, then they add co2. the plants grow faster but they will still grow with out. increasing the light too much will mean needing to set up a high tech tank. low-tech is probably best for a beginner, less maintenance and cost.