[house_64]

A total newbie to planted tanks so your help is greatly appreciated.... did a brief search but figured I'd ask specifically for my dimensioned tank.

Setting up a 3'x3'x2' "Cube" tank.... contemplating between Power Compacts or a single Metal Halide. What would be enough lighting for a tank with medium-low light plants? Do I need to suppliment a Metal Halide with other lights too?

Thanks....

 

[bsmith]

3 of these would work nicely for your needs. Co2 would always be a benefit. Are you planning on setting up a system?

 

[house_64]

Are you planning on setting up a system?

Thanks Bsmith! I do plan on setting up a system, just doing my homework and getting all my ducks lined up. I currently have a 36" PC light similar to the Sunpods that I used on my saltwater setup... just need to swap out the bulbs. I wanted to compare and keep the wattage down since I already have 3 - 270g. tanks running in the garage and winter will be expensive!

I also need input on a CO2 system and the components needed. If anyone has links to ad or PM me, it'll save US all from having to read another Newbie thread asking the same ole' questions.... (and streamline my search!)

 

[FSM]

two 2x39W T5HO fixtures would work well. $80 shipped for a nova extreme.

 

[Left C]

...
I also need input on a CO2 system and the components needed. If anyone has links to ad or PM me, it'll save US all from having to read another Newbie thread asking the same ole' questions.... (and streamline my search!)

Here is some CO2 info.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/planted-tank-faq/10755-how-setup-your-co2-system.html

http://www.rexgrigg.com/regset.html

http://www.rexgrigg.com/co2.htm

http://www.rexgrigg.com/regulator.htm

http://www.rexgrigg.com/diy-reactor.htm

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/equipment/72328-victor-dual-stage-regulator-pimp-club.html

 

[Left C]

Your aquarium is 135g. You may like a 4x39w or 6x39w T5HO fixture. A 6x39w T5HO fixture could possibly be too much for what you want to do.

 

[Hoppy]

I would look for 3 single tube T5HO fixtures, and space them about a foot apart over the tank. That should give you around 40 micromols of PAR, about right for the light level you want. If you want more flexibility and can spend the money, get 3-2 tube T5HO fixtures and hang them about 10 inches above the top of the tank, again spaced a foot apart. Same PAR, but more uniform throughout the tank, and you can go high light by just lowering them to sit on the top of the tank.

 

[house_64]

Thanks for all the replies fellas! I'm taking all the suggestions into consideration and translating all the terms into things I can understand.... :icon_bigg I'll refer to the "Stickys" for that.

On another note, I read thru and saw that Coralife has the new HO T5 (2 x 39w - 36") fixtures. Would one or two of those do the work? I like the way they look and the fixture and future replacement bulbs seem to be affordable. How often do they need to be swapped out anyway?

Thanks.

 

[Left C]

Getting the 36" model gives you are very wide selection of T5HO bulbs to choose from. It has adjustable height that may be helpful.

I've read that T5HO bulbs last over 2 years.

 

[badmatt]

Single 250watt halide would get it done!