65 Gallon Tank and Lighting

S

solarregis

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Sep 2, 2008
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I have a sixty five gallon tank that I am going to set up as planted over the next few months. It is 36 in x 18 in by 24 inches deep. From what I understand, getting light to the bottom will be a problem. I was thinking of using the following light: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+8075+19051&pcatid=19051

Will these be appropriate? I imagine they will give enough light, but I won't be cooking my fish, will I?
 
I want high light. I was just under the impression that you needed lots of light if the tank was more than 18 inches deep.
 
all I have to say is I have a 65g that is the same depth as yours. I had no problems growing plants in my 55g, and even though my 65g has TWO lights(55g only had one), both of which were supposed to be especially good for plants, everything seems to die from the bottom up except for my lace java fern.

I finally gave up on most live plants, went with some fake tall ones, all my java fern, and have been looking forever for some java moss but haven't found any. I might try anubias(sp?) as that's supposed to do well in low lighting. Good luck.
 
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For a FW planted tank, I would go for T5HO over MH.
 
I have the same size 65g tank and I have a jungle growing in there with the following lights:

  • Stock lights: 2 x 25w fluorescent
  • 2 x 21w T5 (6700K & Colormax)
That's a wpg of 1.4.

I have mostly low light plants, Flourite substrate, no CO2, no ferts. My plants do very well with that.
 
http://www.ahsupply.com/96watt.htm
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica]2 x 96 watt Bright Kit [/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Arial, Helvetica]$114.99 + Shipping and Bulbs.
This will get you about 3.0wpg. A little over after factoring in inside tank dimensions, substrate volume and water level.
This will get you the most bang for your buck.
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