[Servnode]

Hey all, first post, woot!

Sorry to make a new thread on this, I've been lurking through the archives but it's so much information that it is just overwhelming.

I'm currently planning my first foray into the world of planted tanks, and I'm struggling to decide what light i need for my tank. The tank is an Oceanic 37g show cube (Imagine a standard 75 cut in half.) . I am going to be setting up pressurized Co2 as well. I really want to do this up right so I'm pretty flexible on pricing, hopefully no more than 200 though.

Appreciate any advice.

 

[oldpunk78]

how about this one:
(that's a 24" tank, right?)

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/pro...=1411&osCsid=d923e5e30aa7bd2ccc556fff224f9864

 

[Servnode]

Yes, it is indeed a 24 inch.

Does that one include bulbs or is it hood only? Either way 225 is pretty pricy. $75 more than what I'm paying for the tank! Still it gives me some specs to look for in other companies models. I guess around 96 watts would get me up to High light on a tank this size; Abit less than 3wpg? Or do you need less due to the intensity of the t5 lighting?

Again, thanks for the help.

 

[FSM]

T5s are very intense, you don't need tons of wattage. 2x24W would do a decent job. 4x24W would be more than adequate.

 

[oldpunk78]

since you're planning on co2, i'd opt for a 4x24w t5ho fixture. it will give you a ton of options.

here's one that's more in your price range:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...5/cl0/currentnovaextremehighoutputt5fixture24
you'll have to swap out the actinics(sp? - lol) though.

you certainly could use a 2x24w t5ho if you wish. that would put you in the medium light range. i don't think that the coverage would be the greatest on a tank that size.

it's hard to go wrong with catalina:
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/pro...=1411&osCsid=d923e5e30aa7bd2ccc556fff224f9864

catalina might also be willing to wheel and deal w/you as they are selling a 4x54w fixture right now for 179.99.

edit - i didn't see that question. yes, you get bulbs w/ it.