Lighting Question

James0816

James0816

AC Members
Feb 14, 2007
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I just picked up (finally) a fluorescent fixture yesterday. I got the T8 kind as it was the only one I could find the 6500k bulbs for. Two tubes will be more than sufficient over tanks that are heavily planted right? Just trying to make sure I provide them with ample light to grow. Some of the plants need high light.

So not sure how that calculates, but the tanks are 30g total and the bulbs are 32w for a total of 64w.

I've heard mention that the wpg rule is different with these types of lights?

Any insights on this?

Thx
 
On more quicky question....about how far off the top of the tanks should I have the light? Currently I have it 12" inches off the top them which makes it abojut 14" off the top of the water.
 
with that light, i'd have it as close to the surface as possible.

Heavily planted tanks require CO2 and upwards of 4wpg of regular, 6500-10000K fluorescent lighting.

I think if you're going for heavily planted you might want to go with T5s or power compacts.
 
I looked at the t5 but they were only like 24w and I believe something like 4100k or less.
 
well, there are tons of options, many people will run 4+ t5 lights over a single tank.



Currently i'm running 2-26W and 2-18W 6500K spiral CFLs, over my 29g medium planted tank.

I'm starting CO2 next week.

There are a TON of different options, take some time and read what has brought others success with heavily planted tanks.

found these:

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCatalog/ctl3684/cp18369/si1379054/cl1/coralife_30_aqualight_2_x_65_watt_power_compact_straight_pin?&query=30%22&queryType=0&offset=

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...684-def-USD-18356##8##19&queryType=0&offset=0

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...684-def-USD-18356##8##19&queryType=0&offset=0


Some of those use actinic lighting, which you have no use for, and could replace with beneficial-to-plant bulbs.
 
J0:

Please do not let mm's comments adversely influence you with respect to a nice planted tank.

mattmartindrift said:
Heavily planted tanks require CO2 and upwards of 4wpg of regular, 6500-10000K fluorescent lighting.
Click to expand...

mm's comments are applicable to the real plant gurus' tanks but you can have a nice planted tank with the lighting which you purchased and minimal fertilization.

Having said that if you come down with the plant bug as I have dry ferts, DIY CO2 and more lighting are in your future.

TR
 
jones57742 said:
J0:

Please do not let mm's comments adversely influence you with respect to a nice planted tank.



mm's comments are applicable to the real plant gurus' tanks but you can have a nice planted tank with the lighting which you purchased and minimal fertilization.

Having said that if you come down with the plant bug as I have dry ferts, DIY CO2 and more lighting are in your future.

TR
Click to expand...

Yeah, i suppose it's all relative, but I take heavily planted to mean things like this or even more dense:

KevinsTank.jpg
 
Definately not at that level yet thats for sure. Just wanted to make sure that I had enough light for the plants that I have currently. most are moderate but there are a couple that require the high light.
 
mattmartindrift said:
Yeah, i suppose it's all relative ...
Click to expand...
James:

When you can grow the red pigmented plants which you see in mm's tank you will definitely have a green thumb (I do not have one yet)!


Folks:

Some of you may not be aware that green chlorophyll is much more efficient than red chlorophyll in the generation of chemical energy from electromagnetic radiation.

For the naysayers of 7100K bulbs in a freshwater aquarium blue light as well as non-visible energy emitted by 7100K bulbs are very efficient in the generation of chlorophyll and the generation of chemical energy by the chlorophyll.

TR
 
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