Lighting options for a nano.

gBOYsc2 · 12-10-2010, 07:49 PM

Hi. I am new here. I have been keeping planted tanks for quite some time but I am recently really interested in planted nanos under 5g. I currently have a 2.5g in emersed state for about 5 months now. It has an 18w coralife compact florescent light on it. However this will only work if I keep the glass top on.

To me it seems as thought the lighting is not quite enough. What are some options people use for their nanos aside from the ADA lighting. I would like to explore the possiblitly of other stronger lights especially mounted ones. Size doesn't matter as I am going to have a custom tank make very soon.

Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.

chicken · 12-10-2010, 11:25 PM

I have this fixture from Catalina: http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/prod...oducts_id=1232

It works great. Make sure you get the legs.

gBOYsc2 · 12-11-2010, 07:31 PM

That light seems to be almost perfect! Do you think the extra 6w of lighting will make much of a difference?

Thanks for the reply chicken!

chicken · 12-12-2010, 02:58 AM

I honestly don't know how much of a difference the extra 8w makes --I just know that with this fixture I can grow whatever I want. I do use diy co2 and/or Excel.

Hopefully some other folks will chime in and say what they have used with a tank this size.

Bonefish · 12-12-2010, 05:37 AM

Another popular lighting fixture for small tanks is this 27 watt CF table lamp by Lights of America. You may be able to find it at a local Home Depot for around $20.

Pros: Bright light, adjustable height, inexpensive, design is fairly sleek
Cons: Large in all dimensions, base takes up a lot of room, doesn't look as nice as a mounted light, limit to how much you can lower the light

12-10-2010, 07:49 PM	#1
gBOYsc2 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 121	Lighting options for a nano. Hi. I am new here. I have been keeping planted tanks for quite some time but I am recently really interested in planted nanos under 5g. I currently have a 2.5g in emersed state for about 5 months now. It has an 18w coralife compact florescent light on it. However this will only work if I keep the glass top on. To me it seems as thought the lighting is not quite enough. What are some options people use for their nanos aside from the ADA lighting. I would like to explore the possiblitly of other stronger lights especially mounted ones. Size doesn't matter as I am going to have a custom tank make very soon. Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated.

12-10-2010, 11:25 PM	#2
chicken Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Catonsville, Maryland USA Posts: 540	I have this fixture from Catalina: http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/prod...oducts_id=1232 It works great. Make sure you get the legs. __________________ My nano tanks: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/me...ano-tanks.html Greater Washington Aquatic Plant Association www.gwapa.org

12-12-2010, 02:58 AM	#4
chicken Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Catonsville, Maryland USA Posts: 540	I honestly don't know how much of a difference the extra 8w makes --I just know that with this fixture I can grow whatever I want. I do use diy co2 and/or Excel. Hopefully some other folks will chime in and say what they have used with a tank this size. __________________ My nano tanks: http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/me...ano-tanks.html Greater Washington Aquatic Plant Association www.gwapa.org

12-12-2010, 05:37 AM	#5
Bonefish Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (19/100%) Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Davis, CA Posts: 200	Another popular lighting fixture for small tanks is this 27 watt CF table lamp by Lights of America. You may be able to find it at a local Home Depot for around $20. Pros: Bright light, adjustable height, inexpensive, design is fairly sleek Cons: Large in all dimensions, base takes up a lot of room, doesn't look as nice as a mounted light, limit to how much you can lower the light __________________ --The user formerly known as TsuRyuu-- Current scapes: None! Tank graveyard: 2.5 gal betta iwagumi (RIP) :: 1.5 gal shrimp forest (moved on to greener pastures) :: 2.5 gal low tech (moved on to greener pastures)

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12-11-2010, 07:31 PM	#3
gBOYsc2 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 121	That light seems to be almost perfect! Do you think the extra 6w of lighting will make much of a difference? Thanks for the reply chicken!