Upgrading My Lighting

O

omordn

AC Members
Feb 18, 2008
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Hey Guys,

I am considering in changing my fluorescent lighting. I want to start planting my aquarium with live plants. I've done some research on the type of lighting I may need. Although, I am a bit confused on what type of hood I should use for my lighting. Right now, I have the standard one that came with my tank. Do I really need to upgrade it or can I still use it? If I have to upgrade it, do you guys know of any good websites that sell hoods for a good price? Or are any of you guys selling any or know of anyone who might be selling?

Thanks.
 
this all depends on what you want to do with your tank. if you want plants you need to upgrade. if you just want the fish and plastic deco then your fine :) what size tank is it?
 
Well, I have a 28g tank with two live plants right now. I have been reading about lighting and such but there is too much information on it so it will take me a while until I get the hang of it. I do know though that I may need a new lighting fixture because I would like to give my fish dual lighting because I find that to be more beneficial for them and the plants? Plus, it looks nicer!:headbang2:
 
Hi Mgamer,

I'm not quite sure how to respond your questions considering that I am barely researching this lighting issue with the live plants. Would you care to elaborate some more so that I can understand your question? I'm sorry if I sound or seem lame.

As far as plants, I believe the plants I have right now need med lighting as they are not too dark nor too sensitive to lighting. Does that help?
 
its ok thats what we are here for. some plants need more light then others. the more light you add the greater the need for co2 then ferts. if the plants you have now need med light i would look into ahsupply.com pick up a 55w bright kit. you can also look at hagen t5 set up i been hearing good things about them.

any other questions or things i dont explain very well just ask. there are plenty of people here to help explain things.

http://www.rexgrigg.com/index.html
 
Thank you, Mgamer.

I actually went to my local pet store looking for a T-5 light but I was not successful. I had to settle with a T-8 I believe for now until I figure this whole thing out. My way of thinking is, "If I am going to upgrade my tank with better lighting for my plants and fish I might as well upgrade my lighting fixture too."

I will check out your URL's and see what I find and learn from them. I have also been looking into Co2 but since I am limited into how much money I can spend, I want to make sure I get the lighting first before I go into the Co2 topic. I heard that some plants can survive without the Co2. Eh... that is a completely different topic. Lol.

Thanks again.
 
You'll probably find considerably better prices online than at your local shop.

CO2 will be the least of your financial investments. Many of the beautiful planted tanks you'll see run on DIY CO2 set-ups. Still, you don't need to worry about that yet.
 
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