Sorry, forgot to mention that I plan on having pressurized CO2 and dosing ferts.
Help lighting a 46G
As I am getting ready to put my system together, I am now second guessing my choice to stay with the light fixture that came with my tank. It is a 110W twin bulb PC fixture. I am worried that it might not be enough light for my plants.
At first I started researching T5 kits from various websites. If going based the the WPG, I was worried that a 2 bulb fixture wouldn't be enough light so I started looking at 4 bulbs. I know that there is a significant jump in price. I have a few that I was interested in, and wanted to hear opinions. Sorry if I shouldn't post these links.
Listed in no particular order:
1. Current Nova Extreme HO T5
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...-T5-Lighting-Fixtures_9060609_82.html?tc=fish
2. Coralife HO T5 4-Lamp Lunar Aqualight Fixtures
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...-4-Lamp-Lunar-Aqualight-Fixtures.html?tc=fish
3. Current Sundial T5 HO Lighting System
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...-T5-High-Output-Lighting-Systems.html?tc=fish
With a lone PC fixture thrown in:
1.Coralife Lunar Aqualight Deluxe Series Fixtures
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...alight-Deluxe-Series_10009345_82.html?tc=fish
They are all similar in wattage and price range. I like the fact that they have fans and also come with moonlights built in. I had almost talked myself into spending $250+ shipping on a new light fixture until I read this sticked post with the table at the bottom:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/105774-par-vs-distance-t5-t12-pc.html
Does this mean that a four bulb fixture would be too much to my tank? Mounting it on the ceiling to hang above the tank isn't an option since I am currently renting. Should I start looking at two bulb fixtures?
Sorry it's long, any and all help is appreciated. Even specific fixtures or places to look.
Thank you!
At first I started researching T5 kits from various websites. If going based the the WPG, I was worried that a 2 bulb fixture wouldn't be enough light so I started looking at 4 bulbs. I know that there is a significant jump in price. I have a few that I was interested in, and wanted to hear opinions. Sorry if I shouldn't post these links.
Listed in no particular order:
1. Current Nova Extreme HO T5
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...-T5-Lighting-Fixtures_9060609_82.html?tc=fish
2. Coralife HO T5 4-Lamp Lunar Aqualight Fixtures
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...-4-Lamp-Lunar-Aqualight-Fixtures.html?tc=fish
3. Current Sundial T5 HO Lighting System
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...-T5-High-Output-Lighting-Systems.html?tc=fish
With a lone PC fixture thrown in:
1.Coralife Lunar Aqualight Deluxe Series Fixtures
http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...alight-Deluxe-Series_10009345_82.html?tc=fish
They are all similar in wattage and price range. I like the fact that they have fans and also come with moonlights built in. I had almost talked myself into spending $250+ shipping on a new light fixture until I read this sticked post with the table at the bottom:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/lighting/105774-par-vs-distance-t5-t12-pc.html
Does this mean that a four bulb fixture would be too much to my tank? Mounting it on the ceiling to hang above the tank isn't an option since I am currently renting. Should I start looking at two bulb fixtures?
Sorry it's long, any and all help is appreciated. Even specific fixtures or places to look.
Thank you!
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
I assume the tank is about 21 inches high, and is a bowfront tank. If so, a 4 bulb T5HO fixture would be a big mistake. We are leaning that high light isn't necessary for growing virtually all aquatic plants - good CO2 is necessary for some of the plants, but not high light. If you use a 2 bulb T5NO light, like http://www.bigalsonline.com/Freshwa...trip-Lights.html?green=15024464307&tc=default you should have medium light, and since you have CO2, you should be able to grow anything you wish. Your algae problems will be far less than with higher light.
Should I get another 6700K bulb or is the Colormax Full spectrum bulb okay?
I ask because that is significantly under budget from what I was expecting and if upgrading the bulbs will help I am fine with that.
I ask because that is significantly under budget from what I was expecting and if upgrading the bulbs will help I am fine with that.
The fixture you now have is a PC light, right, with 2x 55 watt bulbs? If so, unless it has a reflector as good as the AH Supply reflectors, it will not give you enough light for anything but very low light plants.
I meant in the fixture that you suggested. It comes with two bulbs, a Colormax Full Spectrum and a 6700K bulb. I was wondering if I should replace the Colormax with another 6700K and if it would benefit me at all.
Oops! Sorry.I meant in the fixture that you suggested. It comes with two bulbs, a Colormax Full Spectrum and a 6700K bulb. I was wondering if I should replace the Colormax with another 6700K and if it would benefit me at all.
The colormax bulb is supposed to be a plant friendly bulb that also enhances fish and plant colors. I would use it, at least until I decided I didn't like how the tank looks with it. I suspect it gives as much PAR as the 6700K bulb, but I don't know for sure.
1 - 7 of 7 Posts
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