Ok here is my question on lighting

[Educatedthug]

I have a 155 gallon tank
72 L
29 H
18 W
currently 2 36" 30 watt aqua glow lights came with tank
I was going to buy a used 2 36" 55 watts x2 110 watt pc all glass set
Im dont want a fully planted tank and didnt want to do the co2 thing at this time enough trouble not really trouble but just started the tank
now I see that 3 wats per gallon is what is recommended so I should not bother with this set up then?
:dive2:

[Rex Grigg]

Nice Boston Terrier.


For a tank that size the WPG rule breaks down. What are your goals for the tank?

[Educatedthug]

well there are no real plants in tank have some drift wood so moss would look nice then some plants here and there to help keep tank healthy. I am still trying to figure out what will work with out spending alot to get 500 watts of lighting plus that would be really bright light up the whole house

[Educatedthug]

Oh thanks for the dog props she is a cutie and a american pitbull terror lol...
We call her Oreo

[Rex Grigg]

You don't need 500 watts of light on a tank that size. The WPG rule breaks down on larger tanks.

The reason I asked what your goal was is to help figure out what kind and how much light you need.

What kinds of plants besides moss are you planning on adding?

Are you planning on putting plants in the whole tank or just part of it?

In the picture your dog looks a LOT like a Boston Terrier. But looking closely I can see the difference.

[Mahorela]

If you do not plan on having a heavily planted tank and only want low-maintenance java mosses, java ferns, etc. then you will be ok with under 3 watts per gallon. The 3 watts per gallon rule applies to high-tech tanks that will be using CO2 injection. Basically, the more light, the greater the need for CO2.

Since you are still under the 1-watt per gallon level, you'll be extremely limited to the plants you'll be able to get away with. However, Java moss is worth a try.

[Educatedthug]

Im sorry Im not getting snotty I just forget that Im conversing with people who know what they are talking about I have been to the fish stores and they say 3 watts per gallon heres the 700 dollar light fixture..

Well I would like to plant the whole tank but thought I might try 1 side first I really dont know any suggestions would be great..
I am still looking into it I love the way real plants look and move I also dont mind prunning them the whole fish tank cleaning changing water and watching them has lowered my blood pressure so with that said you guys suggest and I will follow
My wife bought 30 pieces of anachris which she said is being shipped but I dont know much about it
Thanks for taking the time to read my thread

[Rex Grigg]

Alright. Do you have a wooden canopy? If so you can use AH Supply lights. Much better than most all commercial light solutions.

You need at most 400 watts of light to grow most any plant you want. And actually if you get over about 250 watts you are going to need CO2.

Tell you what. I'm just sitting here being all obnoxious and answering questions anyway. Go to my Guide. Hit the email link there. Send me an email and I will send you my phone number and we can talk about it.

[Educatedthug]

Thanks Rex you went far above and beyond with the information thanks a million

:thm:

[Rex Grigg]

No problem.

[Mgamer20o0]

this is my 120 gal i have 6 t8 bulbs and 2x55 CF bulbs.

http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k225/mgamer20o0/09-10-2006.jpg

ahsupply lights are better but using the shop lights were cheaper. you can have a great low light planted tank. i would check out the different plants and see if you want low medium or high lighting. the more lighting you get you might have to add co2 or ferts. Rex Grigg is trying to get it i think is depending on what you want to do with the tank depends on your lighting needs.

http://www.aquahobby.com/e_garden.php
http://www.plantgeek.net/plantguide.php