need opinions

**tundragirl** · 10-02-2006, 07:37 PM

I am setting up a 45 gal high low tech aquarium for my friend.
she has a low budget and I need to order her a light. I found a satellite 96 watt but it has 10000k+ 460/420 nan actinic.
1. is this enough wattage for a low tech?
2. would this bulb do for a while or should I order the 6700 k right away?
3 or should I just buy the coralife 96 w freshwater?
4 any other suggestions

Thanks

TAF CAF · 10-02-2006, 08:37 PM

As far as I have learned from the people here, actinic won't be much good for plants.

cbennett · 10-02-2006, 08:45 PM

actinic is for saltwater. the 6700K one will work just fine. 96 watts is a good starting point as it will give a little over 2 watts per gallon. just remember to start out with as many stem plants as possible. Also, will she be doing Excel or DIY? I think you'll have trouble if you don't do any type of CO2 at all.

skeletonhand · 10-03-2006, 01:00 AM

I would get the Coralife freshwater. I have 2 24" 1x65 watts over my 55. They really make the fish pop, and the plants love them. Plus they come with the 6700K bulbs already, saves having to buy a $25 bulb after you've bought the fixture.

SKEL

10-02-2006, 07:37 PM	#1
tundragirl Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (95/100%) Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: wisconsin Posts: 670	need opinions I am setting up a 45 gal high low tech aquarium for my friend. she has a low budget and I need to order her a light. I found a satellite 96 watt but it has 10000k+ 460/420 nan actinic. 1. is this enough wattage for a low tech? 2. would this bulb do for a while or should I order the 6700 k right away? 3 or should I just buy the coralife 96 w freshwater? 4 any other suggestions Thanks __________________ Cynthia

10-02-2006, 08:37 PM	#2
TAF CAF Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (12/100%) Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Bailey, Colorado Posts: 1,170	As far as I have learned from the people here, actinic won't be much good for plants. __________________ Something so expensive and addictive HAS to be illegal. I'm just waiting for the police to break down my door and confinscate my fish food. What's my sign? I'm an aquarist. --- 2.5g Planted Shrimp, 10g Planted Killifish, 60g Planted Kribs, 120g Planted Community, 90g Salty Reef with 55g Salty Planted, 180g Planted Goldfish Colorado Aquarium Society ___ www.2000webdesign.com ___

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

10-02-2006, 08:45 PM	#3
cbennett Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (4/100%) Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 786	actinic is for saltwater. the 6700K one will work just fine. 96 watts is a good starting point as it will give a little over 2 watts per gallon. just remember to start out with as many stem plants as possible. Also, will she be doing Excel or DIY? I think you'll have trouble if you don't do any type of CO2 at all.

10-03-2006, 01:00 AM	#4
skeletonhand Newbie (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 4	I would get the Coralife freshwater. I have 2 24" 1x65 watts over my 55. They really make the fish pop, and the plants love them. Plus they come with the 6700K bulbs already, saves having to buy a $25 bulb after you've bought the fixture. SKEL