Lighting For Planted 55 Gallon

S

SftWrmRain

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Nov 14, 2006
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Hi. I need to upgrade my 55 that has been in the garage for a few years. I never had live plants before so the standard strip light was fine. I'm totally overwhelmed by the options today.

My light is older - it has one light bulb that is 40 watts, which I know is not nearly enough to keep plants. I am assuming I will need to upgrade the whole lighting system, rather than just buy a new lightbulb since I can't seem to find a bulb with 165 watts. LOL My hood only holds one bulb so...

I'd like it if you gave me recommendations on where to go and what to buy. What do YOU use? At the present time, I'm not using fertilizers of any kind, or Co2, or substrate other than gravel. Can you point me in the right direction? I have a load of plants coming in Monday or Tuesday so I really need to get on this.

Thanks a million!
 
Hmmm...

I have a 20 gallon tall lightly planted, but I am a noob to planting myself too. I do know a few things though. Oh, and the plants you bought, what are they, like medium light or what requirements? If you want to go the DIY way, you can buy great kits on AHsupply.com. Also, sure online for some good light fixtures. They have nice coralife ones. Depends on what type of planting you are doing. If you going for higher wattage per gallon, such as 2.5 gallons and over, think about co2. Dose ferts also.

Good Luck!
 
I'd suggest a coralife aqualight 48" 2x65w compact flourescent fixture. Make sure you get one with bulbs for freshwater planted aquariums and not for a reef aquarium.
 
$eaba$$ said:
I have a 20 gallon tall lightly planted, but I am a noob to planting myself too. I do know a few things though. Oh, and the plants you bought, what are they, like medium light or what requirements? If you want to go the DIY way, you can buy great kits on AHsupply.com. Also, sure online for some good light fixtures. They have nice coralife ones. Depends on what type of planting you are doing. If you going for higher wattage per gallon, such as 2.5 gallons and over, think about co2. Dose ferts also.

Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip! I do intend to dose ferts, but haven't gotten around to the research part yet. I am hoping to go for 3wpg, but you tell me if I need that, or something else with these plants:

Hornwart
Anacharis
Wisteria
Anubias Coffefolia
Red Rubin Sword
Java Fern Lace
Bronze Crypt Wendtii
Ludwigia Narrow Repens
Moneywort
Pennywort Brazillian
Rotala Indica

Generally, I was trying to stick with low to medium light requirements. Did I totally screw up? LOL
 
herostar said:
I'd suggest a coralife aqualight 48" 2x65w compact flourescent fixture. Make sure you get one with bulbs for freshwater planted aquariums and not for a reef aquarium.
Click to expand...
Thank you! Where have you found is the place to get the best deal? I'm looking at a few different options, but I haven't been recommended this one yet.
 
herostar said:
I'd suggest a coralife aqualight 48" 2x65w compact flourescent fixture. Make sure you get one with bulbs for freshwater planted aquariums and not for a reef aquarium.
Click to expand...
I ordered this from hellolights.com tonight after a few hours of research. Thanks for the recommend!
 
That gives you 2.4 WPG, which is quite decent. You're going to have to start with CO2 and fertilizers if you keep both bulbs on at the same time or else you'll probably start fighting with algae.

Most of your plants are in the low to medium light category so you should be fine with that particular lighting setup.
 
epicfish said:
That gives you 2.4 WPG, which is quite decent. You're going to have to start with CO2 and fertilizers if you keep both bulbs on at the same time or else you'll probably start fighting with algae.

Most of your plants are in the low to medium light category so you should be fine with that particular lighting setup.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the encouragement - I certainly need it, venturing into plants! I have spent enough money now that I want to do it right.

Ok, now that I have plants on their way, and appropriate lighting too, what next? Ferts, and CO2 seem to be high on the list. What about substrate? Since I'm setting the tank up new, what do you recommend, and from where? Where is the best place (website) to learn about DIY CO2 systems?

Thank you! :)
 
Hi Barb -
Have you checked for leaks before doing anything with the tank? One that sits for a long period of time can dry out and this can cause leakage issues.
Assuming that you have and it holds water OK, I would suggest a substrate of Seachem's Flourite. It is an Fe (iron) rich clay substrate that will do a nice job for you for a long time, though it is a bit expensive. I would try to find the best price on it locally because shipping will kill you on substrate even though it can be less per pound on line.
I have two 55's with 130 watts (2 X 65) CF over them and IMO, you could probably get away without CO2 if you plant heavily from the beginning. If you are in no hurry for the plants to take off and are willing to let them grow at their own rate you should do fine without gas. CO2 would help but it's not absolutely necessary for that wattage.
There are some plants that you will probably not have a lot of success with at 2.4 wpg but there are many more that you will be able to grow well.
Good luck with your tank.

Len
 
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