55G planted- Light help needed
- Thread starter DooSPX
- Start date
Right now, you've got 0.6 watts per gallon (wpg). You usually want to aim for at LEAST 1 wpg, which would mean that you'll want a fixture that gives off at least 55 watts of light. But that wattage is only for low-light plants like Java Fern and Moss.
For Vals, you should probably aim more for 1.5 to 2 wpg.
High Output (HO) T5 fixtures are the most recommended around here, since they give off the purest light with a low heat output.
For Vals, you should probably aim more for 1.5 to 2 wpg.
High Output (HO) T5 fixtures are the most recommended around here, since they give off the purest light with a low heat output.
You are most likely going to need an entirely new lighting fixture.
I'll assume that your fixture is a double T8 fixture. Go to www.bigalsonline.com and search through the T5 fixtures there. You'll need to know the length of your tank. The rest is pretty self-explanatory in the description of the fixtures on that site.
I'll assume that your fixture is a double T8 fixture. Go to www.bigalsonline.com and search through the T5 fixtures there. You'll need to know the length of your tank. The rest is pretty self-explanatory in the description of the fixtures on that site.
A 2X55 Watt AH Supply Bright kit will get you the most bang for your buck.
http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm
This kit will fit right inside your existing strip light housing.
You have to buy the bulbs separate. Their brand of 6700K bulbs are really yellow. I recommend the GE9325K, here is a good place to get those.
http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=F55BX-AR-FS
I'd recommend buying the strip pre-built. AHsupply is good but you have to purchase your bulbs separately and that's where the savings end. Plus T5 lighting has the advantages of running cooler and a better spread.
Bigal's: $111 shipped
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...urrentusanovaextreme482x54wt510000kfreshwater
AHsupply: - $65 for fixture, $35 bulbs, $10 shipping - $110 shipped
http://ahsupply.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=3
Bigal's: $111 shipped
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...urrentusanovaextreme482x54wt510000kfreshwater
AHsupply: - $65 for fixture, $35 bulbs, $10 shipping - $110 shipped
http://ahsupply.com/mcart/index.cgi?code=3&cat=3
you can get the bulbs cheaper though.....
a lot of people are moving to t5 though. i would also check out hagen i hear a lot of people talking about them.
a lot of people are moving to t5 though. i would also check out hagen i hear a lot of people talking about them.