I need some help from the plant growing experts!

[skypx]

I have a 110 gal freshwater aquarium with plastic plants and I would like to start growing real plants. I am considering buying two of these;

http://www.thatpetplace.com/images/p36988b.jpg
This fixture is a truly unique product that keeps your tanks lit 24 hours a day. It uses the power of (1) 65 watt 10,000k Daylight, (1) 65 watt Ultra-Actinic and (2) beautiful "moonglow" of the ultra-efficient, 1 watt Moon-Lite by night. This lamp has a Japanese square pin arrangement.
Independent tests have proven that moon luminance is helpful in spawning captive animals.

Will this be enough, or do I need the CO2 drip thing? If I still need CO2 can you please explain (in detail) how it works? Last question; are the moonlight bulbs just a gimmick, or is it worth the extra cost? Thanks.

P.S the fixtures can be viewed here (http://www.thatpetplace.com/MainPro/itemdy00.aspx?HKW=&TKW=cu0177&SKW=&EDP=36988&T1=F52+0037+0177&PgNo=1).

[Gomer]

You're going to have to get rid of those bulbs and replace them if you want to successfully grow plants.

I suggest you look at
www.ahsupply.com

If you can build your own canopy, great!..if not, they have pre-built ones for reasonable $$...and assembly of thelight kit is relatively easy

teh AH reflectors are one of the bests out there...and it really makes a difference.

[skypx]

Originally posted by Gomer
You're going to have to get rid of those bulbs and replace them if you want to successfully grow plants.

I suggest you look at
www.ahsupply.com

If you can build your own canopy, great!..if not, they have pre-built ones for reasonable $$...and assembly of thelight kit is relatively easy

teh AH reflectors are one of the bests out there...and it really makes a difference.

Gomer, can you please explain why I would need to get rid of those bulbs? Thanks.

[Raithan Ellis]

Here's an inexpensive and easy route to go for dual compact flourscents @ 6700k. Just what you want for plants.

The bulbs included in the setup you were looking at, were with the intention of a marine tank environment. Different spectrums of light are needed by marine animals and such, than the spectrums required for freshwater plants to thrive.

Coralife Dual 65w Fixture (http://www.hellolights.com/482xcofraq2x.html)

This fixture is nice, I have one of the 4x65w setups and it's built-in fans are quiet.

Cheers,
Raithan O. Ellis

[skypx]

Originally posted by Raithan Ellis
Here's an inexpensive and easy route to go for dual compact flourscents @ 6700k. Just what you want for plants.

The bulbs included in the setup you were looking at, were with the intention of a marine tank environment. Different spectrums of light are needed by marine animals and such, than the spectrums required for freshwater plants to thrive.

Coralife Dual 65w Fixture (http://www.hellolights.com/482xcofraq2x.html)

This fixture is nice, I have one of the 4x65w setups and it's built-in fans are quiet.

Cheers,
Raithan O. Ellis

Raithan, I'm also interested in the moon light. I have some plecos that I haven't seen in a couple of months. :D
Big Al's Online (http://www.bigalsonline.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?inSupplier=&inKeyword=&inCatID=15:Lighting&inSub=&inStartNumber=110&inFinishNumber=110&inUID=1070727886.1070727886) has them for $129.00. It also comes with 2x65w bulbs.

[Captain Hook]

The 65 watt Ultra-Actinic will provide little (if any) beneficial light to the plants. Waste of space having one in a fixture when trying to grow plants.

[skypx]

Originally posted by Captain Hook
The 65 watt Ultra-Actinic will provide little (if any) beneficial light to the plants. Waste of space having one in a fixture when trying to grow plants.

Thanks Captain Hook. What is the 65 watt Ultra-Actinic for?

[anonapersona]

Check out Pet supply Liquidators (http://www.petsupplyliquidator.com/) for beautiful, sleek, aluminum hoods with dual switches and fans, plastic lens covers -- see the monthly special or the Solar Hoods.

Light weight, well priced.

I had them build a custom solar hood for an odd sized tank and I love it, well worth the cost which was quite fair. Pick your bulbs -- 6500K is probably best.

[Gomer]

That light is intended for reefers....where actinic light is important.

[skypx]

Originally posted by Gomer
That light is intended for reefers....where actinic light is important.

Ok thanks.