Best options for a quad bulb T5 assembly on a 55 gallon tank with no CO2?

Chakaga · 04-28-2012, 05:03 AM

I have a quad bulb, T5 assembly and J am not running CO2 in my tank. What would be the best options for my lighting? I want to keep this assembly for when I eventually upgrade to a larger tank and start using CO2, but for this moment in time which lights should I get, I need at least two bulbs since the power cords activate two bulb slots at a time. The fixture came with two T5 HO and two actenik, which are obviously worthless for me lol.

Sethjohnson30 · 04-28-2012, 05:15 AM

I run 2 6700k and 1 5000k flora and 1 10,000k daylight on mine

Chakaga · 04-28-2012, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sethjohnson30

I run 2 6700k and 1 5000k flora and 1 10,000k daylight on mine

Is that with no CO2 or ferts? Do you have any algae problems?

xxbenjamminxx · 04-28-2012, 05:43 AM

I would think depending on the fixture that even with only 2 bulbs running you will still need to raise it up off the tank somewhat to get a low enough level to avoid algae. If the lights has poor reflectors you may be ok with a shortened photo period, but will leave that advice to the more experienced. This is assuming they are T5HO bulbs. If they are the NO bulbs then with 2 running you should be fine I would think but again Id get a second opinion.

Check the charts in the PAR sticky. Will give you general idea what your shooting for, and with no CO2 that would be low/low-medium lighting.

Hope this helps you out some.

Chakaga · 04-29-2012, 07:47 AM

A little bit of algae is acceptable since I will have two bristlenose plecos in the tank, and two pictus catfish (which will eat anything). I am thinking about running a single 6500K light with a 10000K and two colormax bulbs. Would that be acceptable?

**jkan0228** · 04-29-2012, 08:30 AM

You'll need to raise the fixture maybe 2ft to avoid algae problems.

Get some Amano shrimp, otocinclus or a Siamese Algae eater to fight algae as well.

Also, you can have some floating plants(salvinia or frogbit being the easier ones) to reduce the intensity of your lighting as well.

Chakaga · 04-29-2012, 06:17 PM

I've got some frogbit in the mail right now, however if I want to have any otocinclus then I'll have to change the fish I want to keep lol, I wanted two pictus catfish.

**jkan0228** · 04-29-2012, 06:24 PM

Pictus's will get awfully large. Might eventually tear up some plants.

04-28-2012, 05:03 AM	#1
Chakaga Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 178	Best options for a quad bulb T5 assembly on a 55 gallon tank with no CO2? I have a quad bulb, T5 assembly and J am not running CO2 in my tank. What would be the best options for my lighting? I want to keep this assembly for when I eventually upgrade to a larger tank and start using CO2, but for this moment in time which lights should I get, I need at least two bulbs since the power cords activate two bulb slots at a time. The fixture came with two T5 HO and two actenik, which are obviously worthless for me lol.

04-28-2012, 05:43 AM	#4
xxbenjamminxx Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (19/95%) Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Peshtigo, WI Posts: 715	I would think depending on the fixture that even with only 2 bulbs running you will still need to raise it up off the tank somewhat to get a low enough level to avoid algae. If the lights has poor reflectors you may be ok with a shortened photo period, but will leave that advice to the more experienced. This is assuming they are T5HO bulbs. If they are the NO bulbs then with 2 running you should be fine I would think but again Id get a second opinion. Check the charts in the PAR sticky. Will give you general idea what your shooting for, and with no CO2 that would be low/low-medium lighting. Hope this helps you out some. __________________ Eheim Pimp Club #481 RAOK CLUB #29

04-29-2012, 08:30 AM	#6
jkan0228 Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (105/100%) Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 5,386	You'll need to raise the fixture maybe 2ft to avoid algae problems. Get some Amano shrimp, otocinclus or a Siamese Algae eater to fight algae as well. Also, you can have some floating plants(salvinia or frogbit being the easier ones) to reduce the intensity of your lighting as well. __________________ First Planted 95G Mr. Aqua 11.4 Crypts and Shrimp Post Your Rare and Pricey Crypts!

04-29-2012, 06:24 PM	#8
jkan0228 Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (105/100%) Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Beaverton, Oregon Posts: 5,386	Pictus's will get awfully large. Might eventually tear up some plants. __________________ First Planted 95G Mr. Aqua 11.4 Crypts and Shrimp Post Your Rare and Pricey Crypts!

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04-28-2012, 05:15 AM	#2
Sethjohnson30 Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Portland oregon Posts: 1,078	I run 2 6700k and 1 5000k flora and 1 10,000k daylight on mine

04-29-2012, 07:47 AM	#5
Chakaga Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 178	A little bit of algae is acceptable since I will have two bristlenose plecos in the tank, and two pictus catfish (which will eat anything). I am thinking about running a single 6500K light with a 10000K and two colormax bulbs. Would that be acceptable?

04-29-2012, 06:17 PM	#7
Chakaga Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 178	I've got some frogbit in the mail right now, however if I want to have any otocinclus then I'll have to change the fish I want to keep lol, I wanted two pictus catfish.