Lighting For Planted 55 Gallon

checkout '

www.tricitytropicals.com


they have some new and refurbished light fixtures.
contact george about bulb options.

many of the fixtures come with actinic but I understand he will swap them out for bulbs for planted tanks.


http://www.tricitytropicals.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=19



you maybe able to do better with dyi..

also look for
pressurized CO2.

I went with the redsea system. there is a place that sells the system withsolenoid for around $137

again you might be able to beat this with DYI.

I'll look for the link for that co2 system.
 
lots of places to check about DIY CO2

I have several generators and use difussors on those
I eventually purchased a redsea paintball CO2 system

it uses those paintball co2 bottles (20oz is recommended)

I chose paitball because the tank size is small enough to place in the stand. I get the
20 oz bottles filled for about $3


http://www.tricitytropicals.com/index.asp?PageAction=Custom&ID=19
 
SftWrmRain said:
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! :)
Click to expand...

Substrate: Eco-Complete, Flourite, ADA Aquasoil are very decent substrate systems. They'll cost a pretty penny though.

Ferts: Dry fertilizers from www.gregwatson.com

CO2: For a 55 gallon tank, I HIGHLY recommend a pressurized setup if you're serious about having a planted tank. DIY CO2 will quickly become tedious to you.

As for good places to learn, PM me. I have a few links for ya.
 
You don't really _need_ CO2 in a 55g. I have a 2x55w kit from AH Supply over my 55. Here's what can be done with a capful of Flourish weekly, a capful of Excel daily, and a 7 hour photoperiod in a couple months:

9-4-06-rocks-neons.jpg


Granted, none of the species of plants that I have are particularly demanding, but CO2 isn't a "must have" unless you're really shooting for the moon. :)
 
I used to have two T12s on my 55g (48" long). That had about 80watts of lighting. I was able to grow the easy plants - Crypts, Ferns, Anubias, and such...
Now I have two VHOs on my tank, with a total of 220watts of lighting. I am in the process of adding a pressurized CO2 system aswell.
 
Ok guys here's what I have done:

Yes, I checked for leaks, and it's holding water! YAY! I ordered 3 bags of Flourite after EXTENSIVE searching for ANYONE willing to ship it to me (no one locally carries it or can/will order it for me). Anyway, got it from (PLUG):

www.drsfosterandsmith.com

These guys are shipping me 3 bags of Flourite, and a bottle each of Flourish and Excel for $9.99 shipping!! Another YAY!

I also purchased the lighting, as previously mentioned, which will arrive tomorrow. I'm a little worried about my plants (which are floating, as they wait for light, ferts and substrate) that have been under 40 watts of light for a week. I hope they pull through until my substrate and plant food gets here.

Any suggestions for planting instructions with the above mentioned list of plants? I think I'm going to skip the C02 for now, and see how things go. If necessary, I will definitely add it, but am excited it may not be.

Thanks you guys, for your help!
 
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