Lighting in a Low tech 55g tank

You definitely need a glass cover. I have never used CO2 in my 55g planted tank and I can grow and sustain most plants just fine. I do however have a little more than 2 wpg lighting over it. Keep in mind, I'm pretty sure plants that have a reddish tint to them require more light to grow and live, but I think they look great.
Good Luck!
 
The WPG rule is essentially useless (especially with the HO T5 bulbs that blow away the light output of any type of bulb I've seen other than halides). I would have suggested T5s to the OP, but IMHO a 2x54W T5 fixture would bump a 55 gallon tank out of "low tech" territory. ;)

debaric- I don't think that the OP's present light fixture would accommodate a PC retrofit kit... sounds like one of the plastic NO light strips to me. For the handy folks (unlike myself) who can build a canopy, though, it's a great idea. :)
 
severum mama said:
The WPG rule is essentially useless (especially with the HO T5 bulbs that blow away the light output of any type of bulb I've seen other than halides). I would have suggested T5s to the OP, but IMHO a 2x54W T5 fixture would bump a 55 gallon tank out of "low tech" territory. ;)

debaric- I don't think that the OP's present light fixture would accommodate a PC retrofit kit... sounds like one of the plastic NO light strips to me. For the handy folks (unlike myself) who can build a canopy, though, it's a great idea. :)
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It would fit, the regular plastic light strips that come with aquariums is what i am talking about. I know because ive done it.

Also cerhob, ahsupply has prebuilt (40 bucks range) wooden canopys that you build the equipment into. Bro, all you need is a screwdriver and drill with a couple of drill bits that they specify in the directions, its ridiculously easy to make.
 
Debraic- Would my HoB Filter fit with the Canopy from AH Supply? Or does the canopy not extend all the way to the back? And no, my canopy can't be retrofitted. Some over priced one I got ripped off on from PetCo.

I have till next friday to make my desison, as thats when I get my rebate back (huzza! $$$!! )

Is it the Bronze Crypts that have the reddish tint to them? I would like to get some of them.

As for CO2, I just can't do it. There is no one around here that has CO2 and I've read that trying to make your own (not sure how but OK) isn't feasible with a 55g. Ferts are ok, and I dont mind having to buy them from time to time.

Right now I have sand at the bottom of my tank, annoying as hell to put in there BTW. So many cleanings. Would I need to add any gravle or anything?
 
I have a total of 64 watts over my 55, and so far, so good :)

IMG_3602.JPG
 
holla!... whoa! 64?! Do you use CO2? What sortta light?

Wow... Thats a really nice tank.
 
Thanks!
NO CO2 or ferts except fish poop :)
I just have a dbl tube strip light with Tropic Sun 5500k bulbs
 
I must add that I did have another 32 watter on there for about a month, but I removed it because it was a pain to lift my glass lid for feeding, mtc, etc
It's been off for about 2 months now
 
Where did you get your light strip at? Link perahps? I'm very impressed by your tank. What do you have stocked in it?
 
cerhob said:
Debraic- Would my HoB Filter fit with the Canopy from AH Supply? Or does the canopy not extend all the way to the back? And no, my canopy can't be retrofitted. Some over priced one I got ripped off on from PetCo.

I have till next friday to make my desison, as thats when I get my rebate back (huzza! $$$!! )

Is it the Bronze Crypts that have the reddish tint to them? I would like to get some of them.

As for CO2, I just can't do it. There is no one around here that has CO2 and I've read that trying to make your own (not sure how but OK) isn't feasible with a 55g. Ferts are ok, and I dont mind having to buy them from time to time.

Right now I have sand at the bottom of my tank, annoying as hell to put in there BTW. So many cleanings. Would I need to add any gravle or anything?
Click to expand...




Yes the wooden canopies are made so they cover about most of that surface so a few inches where your heater, filter, etc area is exposed. For example, mine is 9 inches deep and the depth of a 29 in 12 inches. Youd be suprised what you can grow with 2 wpg, but you will just not see the rate of growth that co2 and high light will give you. Not to mention, i wouldnt count on having plants with amazing pinks and reds in them without a higher tech setup nor certain types of ground cover plants.
 
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