[mikep]

Hi all. I'm new to the forum, but have been reading lots useful info here for a week now. I had a planted tank a few years ago, but had to tear it down. Well... I got the bug again. So I'm looking for a tank, but not sure what size? My previous tank was an odd size, something like 37 gallons? And very tall for a planted tank IMO. I have an eheim 2224 filter, Icecap 430 ballast, and all the equipment for co2 injection.

What tank size would you guys recommend for me? I like the look of rimless tanks and I've been looking at:
40 gal. long 36x18x12 tall
50 gal. Tall 36 x 18 x 16 Tall

Also any comments on types of bulbs? I used VHO on the past, but have been noticing lots of talk of T5 bulbs.

Thanks for looking, Mike

 

[AquaTX01]

I'd go w/ 50 gallon (coz it's bigger, & bit taller) & for lighting 3 ft T5 HO. how many lights depending on CO2 or none... g'luck.

 

[AquaTX01]

...ah, & welcome to TPT! :biggrin:

 

[Dollface]

36x18x12 is actually what's known as a 30 gallon breeder, and 36x18x16 is a 40 breeder, it's one of the more common tank sizes in the hobby. A true 40 Long is actually 48x12x16.

 

[lauraleellbp]

I'd go with the rimless 50gal, since both the tanks you posted are 18" deep, which gives a nice amount of floorspace when it comes to aquascaping. With the 50gal, you'll still have close to 40gal to play with when it comes to stocking ever after you have substrate and hardscape in place.

 

[RipariumGuy]

I second the 50g!

 

[mikep]

Thanks guys. I ordered the 50 gallon. Now to figure out the lighting... Unfortunately the Icecap 430 can only run two T5 bulbs. I don't think that would be enough light. Does anyone still use VHO bulbs?

 

[Dollface]

VHO is reefer territory iirc, T5HO is more common for planted tanks. 2x39watts of T5-HO is plenty over a 40 breeder (45 gallons.) for even high light set ups.

 

[mikep]

Well that's good news. I always thought about 4 watts/gal was ideal?

 

[Dollface]

No, it's technically 3 WPG, but that usually applies only to PC fixtures, not T5-HO.

 

[mikep]

That would explain the conditions of my previous tank. I had 4- 24" VHO bulbs in a 37 gal. tank Thank you very much for the info.