Lighting for a 90 gal tank... Is it Sufficient

Runkle · 06-10-2012, 01:47 AM

I have a 90 gal tank that I just set up. I presently have 4 t-5 48 inch bulbs. Two are color max 6,700k and two are day light 6,700k. Is that enough light for a high light tank?

: fish1:

**Hoppy** · 06-10-2012, 05:00 AM

I assume you have a 4 bulb Coralife T5HO light fixture - is that right? If so, the reflectors are probably no better than fair, so 4 bulbs sitting about 25 inches from the substrate should give you about 70-90 micromols of PAR, or high light. You will need a pressurized CO2 system used correctly, or some big algae problems are likely to be in your future.

Runkle · 06-10-2012, 05:30 AM

I have basically no reflectors on the lights. I am using two lighting fixtures that I got from home depot. I then put in the t5 bulbs from the local pet store into them. Also I'm using a DIY co2 system

**Hoppy** · 06-10-2012, 04:51 PM

With no reflectors and T5NO light fixtures, you probably have near the bare minimum of light needed for aquatic plants, so that is good for low light plants only.

DariusV · 06-11-2012, 10:13 PM

Pretty cool tank though ...

Runkle · 06-16-2012, 10:46 AM

@darius, thank you! I will post updated pics soon. @ Hoppy, I deeply appreciate the information and scientific guidance. As of now the tank has grown both green and brown algea but it is under control because of the co2, the help of a bushy nosed placostamus and an otosynclis. the only plants that are doing well are the floating plants, tall plants near the surface and the Anubias at the bottom. The horn wort is living but on its way out without a change to the system. I have added tin foil as a reflector and plan to incorporate mirrors as soon as viable. All of the indicators I am aware of are consistent with your advice and predictions. in addition I plan to add at least two more t 5 bulbs with 6,500- 10,000 k to the tank. Do you have any advice on the best way to proceed from this point given my plans? Modification of plans is acceptable. Regards

06-10-2012, 01:47 AM	#1
Runkle Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 4	Lighting for a 90 gal tank... Is it Sufficient I have a 90 gal tank that I just set up. I presently have 4 t-5 48 inch bulbs. Two are color max 6,700k and two are day light 6,700k. Is that enough light for a high light tank? : fish1:

06-10-2012, 05:00 AM	#2
Hoppy Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (54/100%) Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 17,215	I assume you have a 4 bulb Coralife T5HO light fixture - is that right? If so, the reflectors are probably no better than fair, so 4 bulbs sitting about 25 inches from the substrate should give you about 70-90 micromols of PAR, or high light. You will need a pressurized CO2 system used correctly, or some big algae problems are likely to be in your future. __________________ Hoppy

06-10-2012, 05:30 AM	#3
Runkle Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 4	My lights I have basically no reflectors on the lights. I am using two lighting fixtures that I got from home depot. I then put in the t5 bulbs from the local pet store into them. Also I'm using a DIY co2 system

06-10-2012, 04:51 PM	#4
Hoppy Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (54/100%) Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 17,215	With no reflectors and T5NO light fixtures, you probably have near the bare minimum of light needed for aquatic plants, so that is good for low light plants only. __________________ Hoppy

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06-11-2012, 10:13 PM	#5
DariusV Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: India Posts: 19	Pretty cool tank though ...

06-16-2012, 10:46 AM	#6
Runkle Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: San Diego Posts: 4	@darius, thank you! I will post updated pics soon. @ Hoppy, I deeply appreciate the information and scientific guidance. As of now the tank has grown both green and brown algea but it is under control because of the co2, the help of a bushy nosed placostamus and an otosynclis. the only plants that are doing well are the floating plants, tall plants near the surface and the Anubias at the bottom. The horn wort is living but on its way out without a change to the system. I have added tin foil as a reflector and plan to incorporate mirrors as soon as viable. All of the indicators I am aware of are consistent with your advice and predictions. in addition I plan to add at least two more t 5 bulbs with 6,500- 10,000 k to the tank. Do you have any advice on the best way to proceed from this point given my plans? Modification of plans is acceptable. Regards