[questnjurny]

Hi all,

I'm finally at the point of getting my 135 going as a low tech planted tank. Figuring out the lighting hurts my head. I think I understand it and then I don't think I do.

The tank is 6' x 2' tall x 18" wide (or thereabouts, I'm eyeballing it and not pulling out a measuring tape). I'd posted some time ago and had some suggestions to lighting, but I'm still not sure I understand and want to make sure that I'm looking at ordering the right lights.

Would two of these http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-48in-2x65W-Power-Compact-Light-Fixture-p/51110.htm work to light the tank? The lights would be set up so they reach each end and overlap by two feet in the middle.

Or do I need to go to these http://www.aquatraders.com/48-inch-2x54W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Fixture-p/52123.htm

Or, did I totally misunderstand and need four of the power compacts (in the 36" length).

Thanks!

 

[Hoppy]

I think the T5HO lights will be too much light for a non-CO2 tank, but the PC lights will work. You could use two rows of light, each row being one 4 foot and one 2 foot long light. And the rows should be at least 6 inches apart. This would likely give you enough for a low light tank. But, that depends on how good the reflectors are in the lights, and I don't know that.

 

[2in10]

Hi all,

I'm finally at the point of getting my 135 going as a low tech planted tank. Figuring out the lighting hurts my head. I think I understand it and then I don't think I do.

The tank is 6' x 2' tall x 18" wide (or thereabouts, I'm eyeballing it and not pulling out a measuring tape). I'd posted some time ago and had some suggestions to lighting, but I'm still not sure I understand and want to make sure that I'm looking at ordering the right lights.

Would two of these http://www.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-48in-2x65W-Power-Compact-Light-Fixture-p/51110.htm work to light the tank? The lights would be set up so they reach each end and overlap by two feet in the middle.

Or do I need to go to these http://www.aquatraders.com/48-inch-2x54W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Fixture-p/52123.htm

Or, did I totally misunderstand and need four of the power compacts (in the 36" length).

Thanks!

4 of the 96w PC or as hoppy stated get a 4x65w PC fixture and a 2x65w fixture.

 

[questnjurny]

I think the T5HO lights will be too much light for a non-CO2 tank, but the PC lights will work. You could use two rows of light, each row being one 4 foot and one 2 foot long light. And the rows should be at least 6 inches apart. This would likely give you enough for a low light tank. But, that depends on how good the reflectors are in the lights, and I don't know that.

Thanks, I thought the T5HO might be too much. I was thinking if that were the better choice I could get them mounted as hanging lights and adjust the distance above the tank as necessary...but if the PC work, that makes more sense.

Thanks guys, off to order me some lights!

 

[questnjurny]

Okay...trying to actually find the lighting at a reasonable price is proving difficult. Does anyone have any favourite sites?

One more question. Could I go four of these fixtures http://www.aquatraders.com/36-inch-2x39W-T5-Aquarium-Light-Fixture-p/52122.htm and hang them 8" or so above the tank? I'd actually prefer the lights to be a bit above the tank to prevent felines from climbing all over them. I have *very* curious siamese. Or, should I avoid the T5s altogether?

Wait, in reading some specs on other tanks...if I did the T5's, would I only need two 36" (one I'm looking at has 2x 39W T5 HO lamps 10000K, 2x 39W T5 HO lamps Actinic Blue, and some LED lights)? Ahhh, I'm so confused! (doesn't take too much unfortunately)

 

[Hoppy]

I think 4 of those 36 inch long T5 lights would work fine, if you put one row of them near the back and one row near the front of the tank, with the rows about 6 inches or so apart, and with them raised about 8 inches above the top of the tank. That light doesn't appear to have very good reflectors, which helps keep the light intensity down. You would need to use a PAR meter to be sure, but you can also adjust the height based on how well the plants and algae grow.

 

[questnjurny]

Thanks Hoppy.

I found your chart this morning and it helped the understanding a lot more.

Now here's hoping the sun sticks around so I can get that soil mineralized quickly!

Thanks for your help!