low light/low tech scape for goldfish

[reptileguy2727]

T5s are generally considered about the best right now. They run cool, come in MANY colors, bulbs are relatively cheap, as are the fixtures, and the light output is great. I would find one that fits your budget. Obviously high output (HO) is better than normal output. The fixtures with the individual curved reflectors also increase light output per watt. I think T5s are about the best way to get the most light per dollar, short of finding a steal on a used fixture of some other type. I would avoid compact fluorescents, they run hot, are hard to change, and the bulbs are expensive.

 

[Inka4040]

I have good experiences with CF fixtures. Granted, they aren't as efficient or as bright as HOT5 fixtures, but they are generally a good amount cheaper. Never found the heat issue to be that much of a problem. Still not much more than warm to touch after a full day's use, and the bulbs are only a bit more expensive than the T5 replacements. If you can find high output t5s in your price range then by all means go for it though.

 

[LindaA]

I have a 30 gal fancy goldfish tank. Any plants I put in it are considered fish food by me. I've had Amazon Swords last for a while, but eventually, you will be replacing your plants. I've had plants live long enough to take root, tho, so you won't be constantly changing plants. Live plants will, however, mean a lot of water changes because in addition to the goldfish being probably the dirtiest fish in the world, the decaying plant matter is going to send your nitrates off the chart. To me, it's all worth it, but my family thinks I'm crazy to be willing to do all that work on a tank.

 

[Inka4040]

I'm in the process of going full planted right now. For the past couple months though, I've been experimenting with various clippings and sprigs to see what they will and won't eat. So far, swords, crypts, and willow leaf hygro have been working out really well. One way or another, that leaves me with enough choices to pull together a cohesive scape hopefully.

 

[reptileguy2727]

If your plants are dying, rotting, decaying, etc., there is something wrong. Live plants will remove nitrate, phosphate, etc.. A little here and there is one thing, but old leaves that begin to die should be trimmed away, not left to rot. If there are problems with the plants CAUSING nitrate concentration to increase, there are other problems.