Plants in an uncycled tank?

[tazcrash69]

ditto phanmc's post. One addition is that you want the 48" shop light, or you will spend a lot more on the bulbs.

 

[Ghostshrimp55]

I hate to keep bugging everyone here ( iguess that's what the forum's for). I'm more of a "find out my own" type of person but, what kind of wattage can I get from a 48" bulb? If it's like 20 for a 24", can I assume somewhere in the ballpark of 40 watts for a 48", or is that too convenient? Would I be better off with 2 24" lights with 2 bulbs each or one 48" with 2 bulbs?

Thanks again. I really appreciate the help guys.

 

[tazcrash69]

Nope it is that simple. 48" NO tube = 40 watts. And you are much better off with the 48" tubes as opposed to 2 24's. They are much less expensive due to the sheer numbers that they make.

 

[Ghostshrimp55]

Cool. I looked at the shop light on-line. Not bad. I'd have to build a hood to house that puppy, though. You wouldn't happen to know the width offhand, would you? The website only gives the length.

It looks like I'd be getting 80 watts total. That's roughly 4.5 watts/gallon with t12 bulbs. Is that enough to grow some moderate light plants?

 

[Ghostshrimp55]

I don't know how I missed the mention of aquatraders.com but I checked them and saw this:

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=149

Will something like this do? And what is an HO bulb? Should I see if I can get two of those instead of one HO (what is that?) and one actinic blue?

 

[reiverix]

hmmm maybe you should read this first.

Aquatraders

 

[Ghostshrimp55]

okey, dokey. Guess I'll be looking elswhere or at good ol' Home Despot.

Thanks for the warning.