Advice on lighting setup from PSL

[ljezuit]

I have been looking at the Power Compacts from Pet Supply Liquidators and think I will be ordering very soon. My tank is a 29 gallon. So I think my only option is the 55W (Don’t think I want to go to 2x55), which give me about 2wpg. My question is, what is the best bulb to put in this? On the drop down menu one of the choices is 2x6500. The others look like actinic bulbs which I know I don’t want. TIA

[ridns]

I would go 2x55 because more light will allow you to have a better variety of plants. As you shop for plants you will find the ones you want require medium to high light. Its cheaper to do it now rather than later.
:lol:

[GulfCoastAquarian]

With 1.89 watts per gallon you can have a nice tank, but growth will be slow and you have to keep nutrients at a fairly low level to match the slower growth. I actually recommend this setup for a new planted tank, anyway. You can always upgrade later.

As for bulbs, select the 50/50 Red/10K White - it's their plant growth bulb and will make your plants and fish look fantastic. I've seen a trend of PSL shipping these hoods with the wrong bulb so make sure and confirm the Red/10k bulb before they ship your order. Better to do a little more work up front than have to ship it back afterwards.

[ljezuit]

I probably will want this to be my last hood for this tank so I maybe I should look into something else. What kind of upgrades could I look into doing after this? Should I just go with the 2x55 up front? It has the option of fans. Do you need these? I am not sure how hot these PC’s can get. I searched but I don’t think they make a 2x32 in a 29 inch version. Also the 2x55 is only listed under the solar light section. Is this any different from the other hoods?

[GulfCoastAquarian]

I got a lot more life out of my PC bulbs with a fan. It is definitely a worthwhile option to consider. If you don't want to worry about upgrading in the future, definitely consider the 2x55w right now. The solar series has an extruded aluminum case that's a bit more attractive than the Lighthouse series, but otherwise remains the same.

[ljezuit]

I have been talking to PSL and they said they offered a 2x36 for my tank. this puts me at about 2.5 watts per gallon. Right now I have about 1.4 watts of NO. I have Java Fern, Swords, Java Moss, and Crypts. I am looking to grow some stem plants, such as Hygro. Would this be sufficient? What about ground covers?

Thanks for the help. This board has been a remendous help while setting up my tank.

[GulfCoastAquarian]

2.5wpg is a good number to go for. If it doesn't cost much less than the 2x55w, though, you can get more coloring from your plants with the increased light. It will be more difficult to control algae and you will have to be that much more careful about nutrient control, but the rewards can pay off.
Hygro will grow great in 2.5wpg, but ground cover will struggle.

[ljezuit]

Thanks Gulf Coast. You have really helped me here.

The cost is much cheaper for the 2x36. At least it is to my wife. 80 versus 120, without fans in both. Although I was hoping to be able to get some type of ground cover. Anything has to be better than the 1.4 I have now.

They mentioned that the 6500 might be best. I guess it is personal preference. I just want the best plant growth.