New cover/light - recommendation

S

shw104

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Mar 19, 2005
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I am in the process of setting up my 30 gallon, planted community freshwater tank. It has been down for a few months. I'm looking to upgrade my lid and light and looking for recommendations.

I don't have a ton of money to spend but am looking for a descent light/lid that will work well for a planted tank. My old light was a standard 36" (single bulb) T10 that came with the tank setup 8 years ago. It seemed to work OK but I'm sure my plants where light starved.

Thx
Scott
 
Why do you think they were light starved?

From what I have heard it is usually co2 and/or nutrients that is/are the limiting factor(s).

If you upgrade the light without upgrading your co2 you could be at risk for an algae bloom.
 
i would agree, its all about keeping things in balance. to much light & not enough co2 your going to have algae issues. unless your looking at some plants that require more than low light i would say invest your money in a quality T10 replacement tube, new all glass cover & asst. low light plants of which there are more than enough to have a great looking tank. what ever you decide on its all about enjoying it. goodluck & post some pictures
 
........., Unless its like a VHO bulb (Very High Output), no way a single T12 (never heard of a T10 before) or T8 bulb will put out near enough light for plant growth, Regardless of spectrum. Plants are light starved.

I've tried growing java ferns (low light plants that tolerate just about anything) under 1 15" T8 bulb. They didn't grow very well. i

Yes, look for a replacement. Try and find a Power Compact retrofit kit, I knew of a site that sold them but I can't think of them now.
 
Well… my previous set-up had plants..that I think did pretty good.. I was actually surprised though everyone told me that I didn’t have enough light and my plants were starved for light. I did have a number of them die but the replacements seemed to do ok. I am pretty sure that I would have had a better result with better light. What is recommened W/ft or W/gal for a general planted tank?
 
Cory Keeper said:
........., Unless its like a VHO bulb (Very High Output), no way a single T12 (never heard of a T10 before) or T8 bulb will put out near enough light for plant growth, Regardless of spectrum. Plants are light starved.

I've tried growing java ferns (low light plants that tolerate just about anything) under 1 15" T8 bulb. They didn't grow very well. i

Yes, look for a replacement. Try and find a Power Compact retrofit kit, I knew of a site that sold them but I can't think of them now.
Click to expand...


ahsupply.com, is probably what you're thinking of.

@Op, They make a very good retrofit kit that uses a Power Compact bulb.
 
is there any general rules of thumb for planted tanks? my tank is 20" deep (40 gallon). My plants will generally be low/medium light variety.
Watts/gallon or such?

thx!!
Scott
 
shw104 said:
is there any general rules of thumb for planted tanks? my tank is 20" deep (40 gallon). My plants will generally be low/medium light variety.
Watts/gallon or such?

thx!!
Scott
Click to expand...
There are several rules of thumb for WPG. They're actually a balancing act between light, fertilizers and CO2 depending on what you want from your plants.

What do you want from your plants? Little to no maintenance with little growth, a little bit of tinkering with more growth, or lot's of time, money, and effort with lush thick growth?
 
schaadrak said:
What do you want from your plants? Little to no maintenance with little growth, a little bit of tinkering with more growth, or lot's of time, money, and effort with lush thick growth?
Click to expand...
this... I have a 4ft long tank with only a 2ft hood and 15ft bulb... anyone know what kind of setup i could get for under 40 dollars? (including craigslist)
 
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