whats up with lighting?

gogreen · 10-02-2008, 05:34 AM

sorry im new here

, but if the main goal of lighting in planted tank is for the plants to grow/synthesis...whats up with all these lighting in the market? im SO overwhelm with all the available(and expensive) ones out to choose from. sooooo which ones do i really need to grow fantastic looking plants

i have 75 gallon (36x15 foot print) and its a tall tank if that helps....thanks so much

j66213b · 10-03-2008, 08:19 PM

in my opinion compact is the way to go so you get enough watts for your $$ T5 is nice but you can't get the wattage unless you wanna spend $$ i use power compact bulbs 2x65w 6700k, then supplement with 2 T5 set ups. one 2x28W one 6700k and other a color max bulb and then a 2x14W one 6700k and one actinic(doesn't do ne thing for plants just color of my fish) but just 6700k will make your tank look green-yellow and plain but plants will grow well so i have 3.9 watts per gal in my 55g and also use CO2 inject and ferts but if your doing a low tech tank stay under 2 wpg dont need co2 or can do DIY co2 and get lower light plants like java fern and moss

10-02-2008, 05:34 AM	#1 (permalink)
gogreen Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0) Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: California Posts: 29	whats up with lighting? sorry im new here , but if the main goal of lighting in planted tank is for the plants to grow/synthesis...whats up with all these lighting in the market? im SO overwhelm with all the available(and expensive) ones out to choose from. sooooo which ones do i really need to grow fantastic looking plants i have 75 gallon (36x15 foot print) and its a tall tank if that helps....thanks so much __________________ Benedict

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10-03-2008, 08:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
j66213b Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1) Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: overland park, ks Posts: 32	in my opinion compact is the way to go so you get enough watts for your $$ T5 is nice but you can't get the wattage unless you wanna spend $$ i use power compact bulbs 2x65w 6700k, then supplement with 2 T5 set ups. one 2x28W one 6700k and other a color max bulb and then a 2x14W one 6700k and one actinic(doesn't do ne thing for plants just color of my fish) but just 6700k will make your tank look green-yellow and plain but plants will grow well so i have 3.9 watts per gal in my 55g and also use CO2 inject and ferts but if your doing a low tech tank stay under 2 wpg dont need co2 or can do DIY co2 and get lower light plants like java fern and moss

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