Quick Plant/Lighting Questions

[mcps95]

1) Do Aqua-Glo (by Hagen) bulbs provide a good spectrum for low-light plants such as Java Fern, Java Moss, and/or Anubias?

2) Do All-Glass/Perfecto strip lights (without the hood) fit any standard hood or do they only fit with the matching-brand hood?

3) Most strip lights/hoods I've seen make no mention of max. wattage. How do I know what wattage bulbs I can put in a particular light strip? Can this be upgraded/changed without a full retrofit kit?

4) What is the standard procedure for cleaning/introducing new plants to an aquarium?

Any info is greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Blinky]

I think I can help with some of these questions, but not all.
1. The spectrum of the bulbs is probably fine (I'm assuming 'Day-Glo' indicates a daylight bulb), but the wattage might be insufficient - using a single bulb over a tank usually isn't enough for plants.
2. This is something I can't answer, but what you might want to consider is a glass top with a strip light that reaches from end to end of the aquarium - most hoods come with lights that are at least several inches shorter than the tank.
3. Fluorescent fixtures are made for specific bulbs, unlike incandescent fixtures you can't put in a different wattage. Fluorescent bulbs are usually 10W per foot.
4. Some people put them right in, others rinse, some dip them in a very weak bleach solution (only leave them in for a minute or so) or alum solution. I usually take them from the bag, rinse them gently in a bucket of tank water, trim the roots and put them in my tank.

Just a thought, if you haven't got the hood/light strip for the tank yet you may want to look in to power compact (PC) fluorescent lighting - much more bang for your buck

 

[mcps95]

Thanks Blinky for the quick reply.

I already have an established 55gal aquarium with standard hoods (came with the tank, fixtures rated for 17W max). I'm trying to determine whether I can upgrade the strip lights or if I'll need to install brand new hoods/covers. This is a display tank, so I prefer hoods or a decent looking strip light to mount on or above the aquarium (no shop lights from Home Depot or anything).

I know even twin-tube strip lights won't be enough on their own, but the tank gets sufficient sunlight during the day (despite being across the room from the windows).

I believe the Aqua-Glo lights are 4200K (or in that range).

I've kept aquariums on-and-off for about 15 years or so, but I'm completely new to planted tanks (this would be my first). Of course, funding is a little light at the moment (forgive the pun), so I'm trying to start out as inexpensively as possible, but also want the ability to upgrade down-the-road. I don't want to limit myself too much up front, but I also don't want to have to spend hundreds of dollars on lighting.

Any additional info based on this would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[djlen]

You can buy two 1 X 55 fixtures that will go right into those hoods at www.ahsupply.com/
This would give you a low light tank, but with much better penetration, which you will need to grow plants in an 18 - 19" deep tank.
Check their website and call and give them the inside dimensions of your hoods for verification on size to be sure, as some hoods are slightly different in size.
If you start with that set-up, you can double that wattage later by using the 2X55 and buying another set, then installing both in a home made hood.
IMO, the 4200Ks will look too yellow to your eye, but that will have no affect on plant growth. K rating is mostly for the human eye. 6500K is a more natural looking light.

Len