Lighting for tetras/planted tank

1062 Views 2 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Smord, Jan 16, 2011

Smord

Discussion Starter · Jan 16, 2011

Hi- I'm setting up my first planted tank. Its 30 gallons and rather deep. I plan to have it heavily planted with tetras. My question is how much light is the right amount? The books say tetras need dimly lit tanks but of course the plants need light. I'm willing to pick my plants based on how much light there is.

I'm thinking of buying a 48 watt t5 HO fixture- would that be enough/too much?

Thanks
-Sarah

Save

1 - 3 of 3 Posts

lauraleellbp

· #2 · Jan 16, 2011

Welcome to TPT!

If you're planning on setting up a low tech tank (not injecting CO2) then a T5HO fixture will be too much light. I recommend a T5NO fixture like this Coralife: http://www.bigalsonline.com/Fish_Li...eries-Double-Linear-Strip-Lights.html?tc=fish

Since you'll be planting the tank, the tetras will be able to hide in the plants when they want to get out of the direct light. IME your lighting really isn't a big deal with the fish, though.

Save

Smord

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 16, 2011 (Edited)

Thanks! I think, though, that the no fixture would only give me 28watts- that wouldn't be enough or any plants in a 30 gallon tank, would it?

I hadn't actually considered the possibility of no co2... It would be great if I could manage a lush look without it, but is that possible? Guess I'll go check out the low tech tank forum....
-sarah

Save

1 - 3 of 3 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month