lighting problems

phanizzle · 11-01-2007, 05:50 AM

i have a 20 gal long lightly planted aquarium. i have anarchis, anubia nana, and java moss so far. i am planning to get moderate to high light plants. the thing is i have the "stocked" hood with the 1 flourecent light bulb 20watts. how many watts would i need for my tank? would this be good enough? my friend is telling me to buy http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12109.
he told me if i get that then i would be set. sorry if this is off topic but has anyone used the hagen co2 system? or the red sea bio system? which would you guys prefer to purchase? and if you guys have used it can you give me your opinions on them please. thank you very much have a nice day.

**mpodolan** · 11-01-2007, 08:10 AM

That would probably work if you want to go the high light route. The one you linked to (the 30" fixture) is a 2X65W light. 130W over 20g is a lot of light IMHO. People do it, but I would recommend pressurized CO2 and steady ferts if you go that way. If you want to get this light, I'd recommend choosing either 2 6700k or 1 6700k and 1 10000k bulb, as these are within the typical range for planted tanks. The 50/50 and actinics won't help you much. Look around some more and figure out what type of CO2/fert regime/trimming you want to do. Here are some links from a quick search. HTH. Good luck!
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/li...ting-help.html
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lo...-lighting.html
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/se...+long+lighting

phanizzle · 11-01-2007, 12:26 PM

thanks mpodolan. i dont really need that high lighting i guess im looking for a moderate one. anyone can help me decide for a good moderate about 2watts per gal?

**mpodolan** · 11-01-2007, 04:59 PM

Maybe just try the 1X65W light
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...esingle30strip
Or this fixture, which is 2X18 T5s
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...lestriplight30
I think either will work fine for your setup.

Or you could try to retrofit with an AH Supply kit

**Naja002** · 11-01-2007, 05:43 PM

I have 6 of the Coralife Aqualights, and I've only had problems with one of them. Yes, I would keep buying them!

They are good lights for the money imo, unless you want to DIY with:

AHSupply.com

Also, if you are going to get an Aqualight you may want to check out:

Hellolights.com

30" 1x65W Coralife Freshwater Aqualight CF hood, 1x 6700K, -Straight Pin

There's no point in buying a light with a 50/50 bulb that just needs to be replaced. Hellolights.com sells the "Freshwater" version (6,700K bulb) and usually about the cheapest (after shipping).

You really shouldn't need more than 1x 65w over a 20L......

If You want to pick up a used 30" 1x65w let me know. I have one I can part with......

HTH

phanizzle · 11-01-2007, 09:31 PM

i think i will go with the coralife 2x18 t5s. have anyone had the hagen or red sea co2 system? which would you prefer?

11-01-2007, 05:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
phanizzle Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5) Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Jersey City,NJ Posts: 656	lighting problems i have a 20 gal long lightly planted aquarium. i have anarchis, anubia nana, and java moss so far. i am planning to get moderate to high light plants. the thing is i have the "stocked" hood with the 1 flourecent light bulb 20watts. how many watts would i need for my tank? would this be good enough? my friend is telling me to buy http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12109. he told me if i get that then i would be set. sorry if this is off topic but has anyone used the hagen co2 system? or the red sea bio system? which would you guys prefer to purchase? and if you guys have used it can you give me your opinions on them please. thank you very much have a nice day.

11-01-2007, 08:10 AM	#2 (permalink)
mpodolan A work in progress (View User Tanks) PTrader: (58) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lenox, MI Posts: 1,321	That would probably work if you want to go the high light route. The one you linked to (the 30" fixture) is a 2X65W light. 130W over 20g is a lot of light IMHO. People do it, but I would recommend pressurized CO2 and steady ferts if you go that way. If you want to get this light, I'd recommend choosing either 2 6700k or 1 6700k and 1 10000k bulb, as these are within the typical range for planted tanks. The 50/50 and actinics won't help you much. Look around some more and figure out what type of CO2/fert regime/trimming you want to do. Here are some links from a quick search. HTH. Good luck! http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/li...ting-help.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lo...-lighting.html http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/se...+long+lighting __________________ Mike 10" Cube 10g Shrimp tank 20g planted 50g planted

11-01-2007, 04:59 PM	#4 (permalink)
mpodolan A work in progress (View User Tanks) PTrader: (58) Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Lenox, MI Posts: 1,321	Maybe just try the 1X65W light http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...esingle30strip Or this fixture, which is 2X18 T5s http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...lestriplight30 I think either will work fine for your setup. Or you could try to retrofit with an AH Supply kit __________________ Mike 10" Cube 10g Shrimp tank 20g planted 50g planted

11-01-2007, 05:43 PM	#5 (permalink)
Naja002 Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (32) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tn, Usa Posts: 2,184	I have 6 of the Coralife Aqualights, and I've only had problems with one of them. Yes, I would keep buying them! They are good lights for the money imo, unless you want to DIY with: AHSupply.com Also, if you are going to get an Aqualight you may want to check out: Hellolights.com 30" 1x65W Coralife Freshwater Aqualight CF hood, 1x 6700K, -Straight Pin There's no point in buying a light with a 50/50 bulb that just needs to be replaced. Hellolights.com sells the "Freshwater" version (6,700K bulb) and usually about the cheapest (after shipping). You really shouldn't need more than 1x 65w over a 20L...... If You want to pick up a used 30" 1x65w let me know. I have one I can part with...... HTH __________________ My PC Cooling Solution Homalopsinae.com

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11-01-2007, 12:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
phanizzle Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5) Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Jersey City,NJ Posts: 656	thanks mpodolan. i dont really need that high lighting i guess im looking for a moderate one. anyone can help me decide for a good moderate about 2watts per gal?

11-01-2007, 09:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
phanizzle Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (5) Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Jersey City,NJ Posts: 656	i think i will go with the coralife 2x18 t5s. have anyone had the hagen or red sea co2 system? which would you prefer?

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