http://www.plantedtank.net/forums Talk about lighting one of the most important aspects of keeping a successful tank. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:18:40 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.plantedtank.net/forums http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96884-lighting-help-please.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:27:26 GMT ok im running a 36 gal tank now with 15 live plants that seem to want to die. i have a Diy co2 putting out 1 bubble per sec. and use root tabs and flourish (2x a week). substrate is 3inches of flourite. my current lighting wich i think is the cause of my problems is a 24 inch bulb inside of a 36... ok im running a 36 gal tank now with 15 live plants that seem to want to die. i have a Diy co2 putting out 1 bubble per sec. and use root tabs and flourish (2x a week). substrate is 3inches of flourite. my current lighting wich i think is the cause of my problems is a 24 inch bulb inside of a 36 inch hood. 20 watts 8000kelvin.

im pretty sure i need more lights i came across this for $80.

Current USA Nova Extreme T5 X2 Freshwater Aquarium Lighting Fixture, 2X39 Watt, 36 inch

One 39 Watt SlimPaq 10K and one 39 Watt Freshwater T5 HO fluorescent lamp
Dimensions: 36" x 5.5" x 2"
78 Watts

Do you think this is what i need ? if going by the (from what i hear outdated) 2 watts per gallon 78 watts just cuts it.

or should i be looking for another light setup? ]]> Lighting jasone487 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96884-lighting-help-please.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96858-need-odno-suggestions.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:14:13 GMT I recently picked up a 90 Gallon Long (6') AGA tank from craigslist and I've started planning a hood and lighting for it. Originally, I was going to stagger 4' bulbs to try and get as much lighting as possible without either end of the tank being too dim, and ODing each pair of bulbs by using a 4xF32t8 ballast. Then I stumbled across the thread describing how you can run flourescents in series, and it got me thinking. I could either run 2 36" (F25t8) bulbs, or a 4' (F32t8) and a 2' (F18t8) bulb side by side in each row to give me the length I desire. Considering local availability of bulbs (not many choices in 3'), I'd probably go with the 4 and 2 setup.

How well do you think a 4xf32t8 ballast would do if I used 2 rows (4 bulbs totalling 144" or 12') of lighting?

If you do not agree with my idea, what do you suggest that won't break the bank?

I'd probably upgrade to 4 rows of lighting eventually, but I just need something to get me started instead of the stupid 4' shop light i'm using right now. ]]> Lighting Nealio http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96858-need-odno-suggestions.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96850-retrofit-60-4x-t5-hood.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 04:52:58 GMT I purchased 2 Catalina dual T5 retro kits and ballasts sometime ago for my canopy. As I've since discovered, running 4 bulbs simultaneously a mere 4" from the water line is overkill.

While I can just run two lamps concurrently without causing an algae outbreak, I just haven't been satisfied with the combination of two bulbs particularly if I use them separately at dawn/dusk. Running all 4 ((2 10k's, 1 6500, 1 Aquaflora) looks really stunning to me, but the only way I can do that is to run the lamps higher off the tank.

I haven't been able to find a separate hood that the retro's would fit into and am not all that handy thinking about building one nor do I relish buying everything all over again. Anyone know of an outlet that might sell just hoods or does anyone have a 4x 60" hood they'd be willing to part with etc.?

Thanks! ]]> Lighting Deerstalker http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96850-retrofit-60-4x-t5-hood.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96835-lighting-experts-i-once-again-need.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:11:45 GMT I have a 20 Gallon High that is planted with almost all crypts. Feel free to check out my journal in my signature. Here are my tank stats: Size: 20H Filter: Eheim 2215 Lighting: See below lol... CO2: Pressurized Ferts: EI Method/Root Tabs I have a 20 Gallon High that is planted with almost all crypts. Feel free to check out my journal in my signature.

Here are my tank stats:

Size: 20H
Filter: Eheim 2215
Lighting: See below lol...
CO2: Pressurized
Ferts: EI Method/Root Tabs

My question about Lighting is this...

I started this tank running a Current Single Satellite compact (65W - 6700k/10000k) IMO this is overkill for a tank of all crypts. With this amount of lighting, I was worried about creating a war with algae. I now have just "down-graded" my lighting to a 2x24W T5-HO (6700k/10000k) It is day two of this new lighting and already my crypts are growing upwards more (as expected) I feel that with this setup my algae worries will be very little but I am worried about not getting as much growth.

My question has two parts:

1. Which setup is really favorable for my conditions. Should I go back to the 65W PC, keep the 48W T5-HO, or find some spot in the middle such as a AH Supply 55W Kit?

2. If I keep the 48W T5-HO, which bulb combination would be favorable. Right now, as stated, it is 6700k and 10000k. Should I move to dual 6700K for a better Lux Rating or mix things up with an 18000K or dual 10000K or some other bulb such as a pink plant blub? Keeping the visual factor in mind of course...

Thank you for reading! ]]> Lighting agutt http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96835-lighting-experts-i-once-again-need.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96809-if-you-had-choice.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:30:13 GMT If you had the choice to pick a setup which would you go with. This is for a 180 gallon 6'x2'x2' tank. With pressurized CO2


1. 6 lights at 54 watts each T5 HO set up
2. 4 lights at 110 watts each VHO icecap setup
3. 4 lights at 96 watts each power compact setup
4. 3 lights at 150 watts metal halid setup with 6 24watt T5s ]]> Lighting zigis http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96809-if-you-had-choice.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96799-newbie-question-37-gallon.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:24:50 GMT I have never kept a planted tank but i'm starting one. I bought this used 37 gallon reef tank (30 x 12 x 22) and stand/canopy it has two compact flourence 55 watt lights with reflectors one is 10000K and the other is actinic.

I will replace the actinic blub, but with what? another 10000k or a 6700K or use both 6700k or something else?

Is this enough light to grow ground cover 20" down? I want to grow some of that hair stuff. Will I be able to keep and grow just about anything?

I will use a DIY Co2 setup and as well. Until I can make the jump to a system.

Is it recomended to put glass tops on the tank? Does it matter. I will eventullay have angelfish, neons, and some ottos. Water evaporates like crazy in AZ. ]]> Lighting fishkilleraz http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96799-newbie-question-37-gallon.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96791-natural-daylight-question.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 04:59:18 GMT I'm trying to acquire that natural daylight light look for my tank. It's a 30 gal long? 36x12x16. I currently have 2x34 watts T5HO 10000k + 6500k. The look I'm looking for is to have the lights almost micmic natural daylight. I'm at work and don't have a picture to show so I'll put one up in a few hours. Thanks ]]> Lighting boon http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96791-natural-daylight-question.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96767-t5-bulbs-where-do-you-buy.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:22:42 GMT :icon_mrgrhi, Hi, I need to change my t5 regular bulb out, its a plant pink color for a 10,000 bulb, I also have a 6,700 bulb, its 2 feet and 14 watts. Where do you guys buy your T5 bulbs, is a GE bulb as good as a German on ? :D :icon_mrgrhi, Hi, I need to change my t5 regular bulb out, its a plant pink color for a 10,000 bulb, I also have a 6,700 bulb, its 2 feet and 14 watts. Where do you guys buy your T5 bulbs, is a GE bulb as good as a German on ? :D ]]> Lighting vinniemabuna http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96767-t5-bulbs-where-do-you-buy.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96765-t5ho-2x54w-planted-tank-what-bulbs.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:29:13 GMT Alright so i picked up a Glo 2x54w fixture for my 72g bow. It has stock bulbs in it as of right now. The daytime and a blue bulb. What bulbs do you guys recommend i put in it? Any input or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Alright so i picked up a Glo 2x54w fixture for my 72g bow. It has stock bulbs in it as of right now. The daytime and a blue bulb. What bulbs do you guys recommend i put in it? Any input or suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks ]]> Lighting tsweers89 http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96765-t5ho-2x54w-planted-tank-what-bulbs.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96751-changing-bulbs.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:29:35 GMT How often should one change the pc bulbs? It's been over a year since I bought my fixture. ]]> Lighting polkovnik_rzevskiy http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96751-changing-bulbs.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96731-looking-specific-light-maybe-you-can.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:57:32 GMT I remember looking at lighting about 6 months ago and found something I should have bookmarked at the time but didn't. It was a company I'd never heard of before that made fairly inexpensive lighting. I recall there being fish (maybe engraved?) on a metal hood, sounds a little tacky but not bad at all.

does this sound familiar to anyone?

cheers, ]]> Lighting fishyface http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96731-looking-specific-light-maybe-you-can.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96729-light-co2.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:46:59 GMT :icon_quescan somebody tell me, do i turn the co2 off at night or leave it on.thank you very much :icon_quescan somebody tell me, do i turn the co2 off at night or leave it on.thank you very much ]]> Lighting erictien http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96729-light-co2.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96708-why-actinics-not-ideal-plants.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:12:35 GMT So I've been using a 4x55W CF fixture on my 33L for some weeks now since it's been set up (and years ago in my previous incarnations in this hobby), and I've always used actinic bulbs in half the sockets and 10K bulbs in the other two. I used actinic based on the knowledge that the spectrum it puts out closely matches the absorption spectrum of Chlorophyll A. So I thinks "hey, that must be really good for plants".

But here I now read that it's not so good for plants, but with little explanation as to why.

Anyone have any reasons why it's not ideal?



PS: just placed an order for 6700's to replace the actinics a few minutes ago. ]]> Lighting Alpinist http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96708-why-actinics-not-ideal-plants.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96684-omnima-metal-halide-clamp.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:04:09 GMT Hi, has any of you seen, or heard, about Clamp-on metal halide kit (
http://www.omnima.co.uk/store/produc...age=1&featured) from Ominma?

The blurb is:
Modular and easy to install MaxPAR system

You can easily install and expand your lighting system to best match your needs. You can now combine 6500K and 10000K or 20000K lamps to provide ideal PAR levels. The kit includes all you need to set up a state of the art metal halide lamp.
The kit includes:
- Iwasaki 150W PAR36 6500K, 10000K or 20000K Lamp
- Haqos clamp-on metal halide housing
- Vossloh-Schwabe electronic ballast, German made, completely silent and cool running
- 5 year manufacturer's warranty covering the housing and electronic ballast
- 3-core 1mm2 silicone mains cable
This kit produces optimal conditions for maximum coral growth!


Did you used it, or have some information about it? I am looking for the Par on these lamps, and would like to know what is the best colour for a planted tank, freshwater.



They have 6500k, 10000k, 20000k and 50000k.


I would think that the 6500k would be the one with a better match, but I don't know enough about metal halides to be sure. ]]> Lighting ghostsword http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96684-omnima-metal-halide-clamp.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96669-t5no-useful.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:25:24 GMT Would a 4x28w T5NO be sufficient for a 65g custom made tank? 48'' long and 20'' tall, that would be 112w for a 65g, 1.7wpg. ]]> Lighting el_heb http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/96669-t5no-useful.html