What kind of light do I need?

A. Nonymous

A. Nonymous

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Feb 4, 2008
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I've got some money now so I can buy what I need and have a project for Memorial Day weekend. The tank in question is 75g that I want to make heavily planted with co2 injection. I've got my pressurized CO2 system. I would really like to up my lighting even if it does mean that I have to spend more time grooming the tank. Currently I've got the tank lighted with a 110w Compact Flourescent. I'd like to add a companion light. I've got ferts all ready to go using the EI. I'm assuming I need some fast growing stem plants as well at first (currently I just have some crypts). I can acquire the plants locally, but need a professional recommendation on lighting.
 
T5 lighting is amazing and you will be glad you spent a few bucks on it. The penetration is insanely good. The fixtures are available in many sizes and the bulbs last much longer...

Fast growing stemmiies would b best for sure...

Try limnophila sessiflora
Rotala rotundifolia
wisteria
mayaca fluvitillis
lindernia sp (watermelon plant)
Many bacopas
...there are tons of options in plants, more so than lighting lol.

But a single T5 unit on a 75gallon will far exceed the results you been getting with the PC.

If I were to mix lighting, it would be T5 and MH not PC, but I do have PC fixtures and get good results but better results with T5.

depending on you tank dimensions you should be able to find whay your looking for.

I wont get into the "brand name" game on which is better.

Just be sure to look for individual reflectors for each bulb.

fishneedit.com have some very nice T5 fixtures that are really inexpensive...or you could spend more for a "higher end" light like a Tek or a Current USA....they all have pro's and cons...
 
I have a T5 fixture on my 55g... and even at only 108w it is considered high light

I can grow anything.... and it looks amazing
 
A T5 it is then. I'll go over to Big Al's and order one the appropriate size.
 
Feeling stupid again after looking on-line. There are T5s that sell for about $60 that have 6700k bulbs and some for $120 that have have 10000k bulbs. What's the difference?
 
well you want a full spectrum if possible from 6k up to 10k

67k is perfect and a 10k to go with it will produce amazing visual stimulation and plant growth.
avoid the 10k actinic bulbs as there are no benefits to them for plant growth but awesome for salt.

either way the bulbs all cost the same within a few dollars.

can you post a link to the fixtures your asking about..the bulb wont dictate the price, the length and features will.
 
Sure. Any input I can get is great and I probably should've posted the links originally. This one is about $60 - http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...7/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight48

The other one is about twice that, but I do have the money so I don't mind shelling it out if I have to - http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...urrentusanovaextreme482x54wt510000kfreshwater

The only issue I have with the second is the legs. I'm afraid the light will be diffused too much going through the glass top of my tank. I'm reluctant to remove the glass top as I think it does a great job of keeping fish in the tank, preventing evaporation, etc....
 
Look at the watts on the fixtures.
Current USA Nova Extreme 48" 2x54W T-5
Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light-48"- T-5 lamps are 28 watts each.

You are not paying more for the temperature rating of the bulbs, but because the first produces much more light. Personally I feel Current makes a better quality product, based on owning one of each. But that's hardly a scientific test. I had a Coralife Aqualight that started to die after two months, never had any issues with my Current Nova Extreme.
 
Higher the K rating, higher is the Blue Spectrum of light. This spectrum of light penetrates best in water and is utilized by plants for photosynthesis. You could go with 6700K Lamps. These lamps have good Blue Spectrum.

Also would suggest not to cover the top of the tank, i agree it does a good job of keeping fish in and prevent water from evaporating, BUT good air circulation would do well for a planted tank.
 
CollarCrazy said:
Look at the watts on the fixtures.
Current USA Nova Extreme 48" 2x54W T-5
Coralife F/W T-5 Aqualight Double Strip Light-48"- T-5 lamps are 28 watts each.

You are not paying more for the temperature rating of the bulbs, but because the first produces much more light. Personally I feel Current makes a better quality product, based on owning one of each. But that's hardly a scientific test. I had a Coralife Aqualight that started to die after two months, never had any issues with my Current Nova Extreme.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll pick up the Current Extreme I guess. Seems like the better deal of the two.
 
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