Lighting a 55 planted tank

[lil_pendejo]

So I am new to planted tanks and have no idea where to go from here. I currently have power compacts on the tank and the plants are growing fine but they are all lower light plants. I am looking to go with more medium to high light requiring plants. I want to switch over to LED but I'm not sure if I can go with Marineland Double Brights, Reef Capable or is there a cheaper brand that I can go with. I have been looking at these: http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Reef-Bright-p/56215.htm and several other units. My main thing is that I am not trying to break the bank in getting a new set up. I am thinking that I want to spend around $250 at the most. Well, it's mainly my wife who doesn't want to spend more that $250. Any idea's?

 

[lil_pendejo]

Maybe this instead? http://www.aquatraders.com/48-inch-3x54W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Digi-Timer-Fixture-p/52315.htm

 

[jpappy789]

What exactly are you trying to grow in terms of plants?

 

[lil_pendejo]

I'm looking at various swords and mosses, maybe some val's and I don't really know what else. I really don't know much about plants. What I do know is that I want to get the big clunky power compacts off the top of my tank.

 

[jpappy789]

Given those plants you wont need much in terms of lighting.

So far LEDs aren't exactly up to par for the planted world. That being said I personally dont see a reason for more than 2 bulbs of T5HO even for high tech setups.

 

[lil_pendejo]

How are the Odyssea lights? I was looking at the 48" 162W (3x 54W) T5 HO Trio Deluxe Light Fixture w/Built-in Digital Timer that you can get on Aquatraders.com. I've never used this brand but have recently been hearing about them. Are they any good?

 

[lil_pendejo]

I should add that the gravel is Flourite and I have been using Flourish and Flourish Trace.

 

[z.fish.a.holic]

i too have a 55 gal planted tank...flourite sub. and pressurised co2. I built my own light, you can use the housing from a cheap fixture. I went to home depot and bought bulb sockets and an extension cord for wire....used 4 bulb sockets and drilled holes in back for cooling. (mine i built from wood) And I used cfl bulbs in it. It will give you some options....can just use smaller bulbs in it, or bigger ones...could even use more bulbs if need be....just make sure its stays cool enough!
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forum...ed-DIY-light&p=2715051&highlight=#post2715051

 

[lil_pendejo]

I actually ordered this last night: http://www.aquatraders.com/48-inch-3x54W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Fixture-p/52315p.htm Hopefully it works out for me but I am wondering if I am going to have to swap out the bulbs. This only comes with 3 x 6500k and I'm thinking I might have to go up to 8000k or maybe 10000k.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using MonsterAquariaNetwork App because I am bored at work and nothing better to do.

 

[coach_z]

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/105774-par-vs-distance-t5-t12-pc.html