Lighting Question

[jandmmcdaniel]

I've been an lurker here for awhile and I just wanted to say that I love this site. I have learned alot and actually this site is the reason I want to convert my tank to a planted one. I've been doing lots of research and I have everything pretty much figured out except for the lighting situation. I have a 10 gallon and right now I just have the standard hood that came with the "kit" & I'm well aware that will not be sufficient. I'm going to start with low to moderate light plants and I have been searching for 20" flourescent light fixtures and I have come across very few options. I did come across something on the Foster & Smith website but I would like your opinions if you are willing. They would be GREATLY appreciated!

Lighting Fixture @ DrsFoster&Smith (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11418&N=2004+113345+22735)

This is something I found and the wattage is great but I read somewhere about actinic bulbs are for reefs. My question is would the fixture in this link be okay for a planted tank? The only reason I'm asking is because it mentions actinic when describing the bulb and I didn't know if this was going to be optimal for plants. If this doesn't work, any other suggestions? Also, what would be the best easy care & low/moderate plants and what do you suggest as far as fertilization that will not harm my fish? ( I have 1 pleco and 2 black skirt tetras.) Thanks guys and I appreciate any help you can offer!

[Abilor]

First let me say I'm no expert.

Then let me say that ultimately you could probably grow plants with that light. I'm not sure if it's full spectrum, since they don't mention it specifically, but someone on here will jump in very soon to give you gobs of info.

I myself swapped out my stock hoodie, got a glass top, and a 65 watt coralife full spectrum for my 29 gallon tank. I have a number of plants that are flourishing, even without added ferts or CO2. A full-spectrum, high-intensity light really makes a difference. A friend of mine has some metal halides too - they rock, and I can't wait to get one if I get into reefs.

I had a 10 gallon, but I had a lot of trouble with disease and overstocking, as you might expect. Which causes me to ask: why not a slightly larger tank? It sounds like you might be getting ready to expand and invest somewhat, and if you're already paying for more pricey lights, why not bite the bullet and start piecing together a whole new rig? I only ask because of my own experience, not because it's the "right" thing to do. I still have my old 10 gallon as a QT now, but could see myself getting another one just to house strange invertebrates as I get deeper and deeper...

[carpguy]

Its certainly a nice enough lamp. Don't know the brand to say anything about the reputation. I'd swap out the actinic for the 6700/10000K bulb over in the bulb section. Be aware that they're using square pins and you might have a somewhat harder time finding those down the road.

Another option would be retrofitting a 1 x 36w kit (http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm) from AH Supply into your existing hood. Depends on how DIY oriented you are… if it'll fit, its not hard to do.

Be prepared for that light level. Excel (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4656&Ntt=excel&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&pc=1&N=0&Nty=1) is a nice carbon source for a small tank. Ferts are important.

Welcome to the forum…

[orthikon]

If the hood that you got with the kit has two sockets for incandescent bulbs go to Walmart and get a two pack of their 20W Compact Fluorescent (U shupaed) by Lights of America for <$9. Make sure you look at the back and find where it says 6700K. IIRC, it says sunlight on the packaging. You'll probably only get around 2.5 effective WPG but it's a bargain for the price. FYI I get my riccia to pearl aggresively (running CO2 of course) within 5 hours with this light setup.

Regarding ferts and CO2, read Rex's guide and come back for more questions

http://www.rexgrigg.com/