[lowrez]

So I inherited a 55 gallon and stepped up from my 20 gallon. Previously on my 20 I was running a GLO 2x24" T5HO and DIY CO2. I want to keep things simple on the 55 and eventually set the 20 back up as the high tech tank. The 55 I got came with a Tetra Whisper 60 and an old perfecto single T12 hood that was burned out. So I got a Lowe's T8 strip for $14 and coated the inside with aluminum tape and added some regular old 6500k daylight bulbs just to get things started.

I have a bunch of Java Fern, an Anubis, Vallisneria, a Moss Ball and a whole bunch of Amazon Swords I moved from the other tank. I've been dosing Excel daily and Flourish twice a week. I have 3 Boseman Rainbows, 2 Lake Kutubu Rainbowfish, 7 Cardinals, 2 Silver Tipped Tetras, 4 Corys, and a SAE.

So here's a few questions:
Is the lighting I have enough? I was going to spring for a 2x T5HO strip but I was worried about adding too much light without a CO2 reactor. I may want to upgrade this tank to a High Tech later and I couldn't see spending the money on a T5NO strip, this T8 was extremely economical and puts me at close to 1.25 watts per gallon. Right now I'm using regular 6500k off the shelf bulbs from Lowes, would some Coralife plant bulbs be better?

Is my filtration enough? I'd like to add some more fish but I think I'm getting close to the max of the current filter. I was thinking of picking up an Odyssea CF 500 or would a second HOB be better? The tank is in my daughters room and the white noise from the filter is actually a good thing, so I'm worried the canister would be too quiet.

Which would be better to spend on right now the lighting upgrade or the filter?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Hoppy]

I don't think two T8 bulbs will be enough light on a 55 gallon tank. Three would probably be enough, if you can find a way to get another bulb in there. Why not go for one of the T5NO lights? You might find one on the Swap n Shop forum, or Craigslist at a good price.

 

[lowrez]

Thanks for the reply Hoppy.
So a 2xT5NO at 56w is more intense than a 2xT8 at 64w?
Are my regular old 6500k bulbs alright or would specific aquarium plant bulbs be better? I bought my GLO T5HO a little over a year ago. What's the lifespan of T5HO bulbs?

 

[Vancat2]

hey lowrez,
investigate canister filters- Eheims are a favorite with planted tank folks. A 2217 might be big enough.

 

[Larry Grenier]

The old WPG rule is becoming obsolete with T5s and LEDs putting-out more PAR per watt than the older bulbs so yes, a 2xT5NO at 56w (especially with good reflectors) is more intense than a 2xT8 at 64w. If it were me, I'd go with a 2xT5HO and raise it over the tank maybe 14" for low/med light and later lower it if I want to go with CO2 and more hi-tech. That's what I did with my 60-gal and no CO2.

 

[Coltonorr]

Agree with Vancat2. Canisters the way to go. 2217 would be a good choice. You could also add a pump to increase water circulation.

 

[lauraleellbp]

Agreed that 2x T5NO will give you more light than 2x T8s.

I wouldn't put T5HOs over the tank until after you get the CO2, though. Otherwise you'll probably need to suspend that thing at least 18-24" up off the tank for light control.

HOBs are fine if you stick with a low tech setup. I like the Aquaclears best personally, since you don't have to buy those replacement filter cartridges all the time like you do with most other brands.

If you go with a canister, either an Eheim 2217 or Rena XP3 would be my recommendations.

Keep an eye on those silver tipped tetras- they have a reputation for being pretty nippy. Most of your fish are schoolers and would benefit from adding more of the same species for companions.

 

[lowrez]

One silver tip is very small and shy, he spends most of the day hiding from the other. The larger one was a just a bit aggressive until I got my Boseman Rainbows, now he schools with them!
I'm planing on adding some more Rainbows to fill out the school and a couple of Kribs. I just wanted to get my filtration figured out first. I was going to try to save some bucks and go for the super cheap Odyssea CF 500, but I think I'll go for an Eheim. Maybe if the tank was on a solid basement floor I could risk it and go for the cheap filter. But the thought of 55 gallons of water pumping all over the wood floors unattended is worth the extra cash.

 

[lowrez]

Order the Ehiem 2217 and a Coralife T5NO. Thanks for the advice everybody!