My first "on purpose" planted tank; lighting a 125 (suspended lights)

3480 Views 42 Replies 11 Participants Last post by AndrewH, Feb 6, 2008

Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · Jan 17, 2008 (Edited)

Hello everyone~

I've been keeping fresh tanks for years and they usually end up with a plant or two thrown in the mix but I've never sat down and tried to correctly set-up a planted tank "on purpose".

So, after a move I've decided I can't bear to get out of the hobby completly and I'm going to set my 125 gallon back up as a planted tank.

I'm looking to go heavily planted and my basic approach to this is buy equipment that can pretty much sustain whatever I decide to grow. My reason for this is Ill probably change my mind on plants a hundred times so I would like to get lighting that can adapt and properly maintain whatever different plants my whims point me to. Rather than buy a light only to need to upgrade or change it as my taste changes or as I become more advanced in the hobby.

The tank is a standard glass 125, footprint 72x18. Ill be filtering it with a combo of a large canister and a hob bio wheel filter. I'm only using the bio wheel because Im set in my ways and I just want to, not that it's going to add any real help in the scheme of things, lol.

So, on to my actual question here. I was looking at a fixture with these stats-
Total output: 384W
Supports: 4 x 96W CF, 5 x Double Bluemoon LED
Fixture Size: 71" x 7" x 2.75"
Ballast Type: Internal Electronic
Type of Bulb: Straight Pin CF

The thing is the bulbs. It comes with 2 x 96W CF 12000K bulbs, 2 x 96W CF Actinic Blue True 03 bulbs. These are not ideal am I correct?? If I am correct, how hard is it going to be to find the ideal bulbs to fit into this fixture?

I will be using some sort of co2, and as far as Im concerned everything Ive read regarding co2 might as well be in spanish. I know this is not the place for co2 questions but if you feel like helping out please link me to some proper systems suitable for this size tank. Idealy I would like a mostly automatic system.

Links to proposed equipment would be much appreciated, well any feedback at all would be highly appreciated!

Thanks, Ill look forward to some help and some brainstorming!

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gsd78

· #2 · Jan 17, 2008

No, the bulbs listed aren't right for a planted tank. Shoot for ones in the 5000K to 10000K range.

Post a link to the fixture your looking at and you'll get opinions on it and people can provide you with good alternatives to it.

Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · #3 · Jan 17, 2008

Link http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=306

Ill just browse your tank journal while I wait for replies :redface: Thanks for the feedback!

fordtrannyman

· #4 · Jan 17, 2008

I've just in recent months really dove into a fully planted tank. After years of tropical fish keeping too.

As for your choice in PCF lighting fixture, what brand and model is it?
Have you considered DIY Canopy and AHSupply lighting http://www.ahsupply.com/96watt.htm
If you wish to go with the 4X96w fixture, here is link for good bulbs at a good price.
www.lightbulbsdirect.com Not sure if they have the 96w in the 6700k
Although 3.0wpg is enough for a lot of plants. You might want to think about adding at least a standard strip light in the front of the tank to reduce shading and shadowing in foreground plants.
Lighting choices and CO2 is really going to depend on your budget.

I would loose the biowheel. Change is good for us.

Don't forget substrate and fertilization....

Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jan 17, 2008

Well, budget... sigh. There is always a catch.

Im looking to spend about $500 for all my equipment, not really including the filtration as I have that already.

And as far as substrate Ill probably be using a store bought job like eco complete. Maybe mixing in some red sea flora root, or flourite and a fine layer of peat underneath. I was also thinkin of maybe doing fine sand in the front and only using a plant substrate where I plan on actually planting, using driftwood to separate the two... I dunno Ill deal with that after I get over the loss of my bio wheel...:icon_cry:

Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · #6 · Jan 17, 2008

Sorry I missed some questions!

fordtrannyman said:
As for your choice in PCF lighting fixture, what brand and model is it?

The cheap kind, lol. http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=306

I was hoping buying good bulbs would cancel out the fact that the fixture itself is cheap.

fordtrannyman said:
Have you considered DIY Canopy and AHSupply lighting http://www.ahsupply.com/96watt.htm

Nope. Im just going to buy a canopy Im done with making them myself, but I will check out those lights/kits!

***EDIT- Well the lights look great and the price seems right but there is a very LARGE gray area right between buying them and turning them on...

What Im trying to say is do these things need external ballasts, also I am completly lost when it comes to these kit jobs as if you couldnt tell.

If I were to buy the 4x96 ahsupply kit what else do I need to buy before It becomes operational?

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ummyeah

· #7 · Jan 18, 2008

Those cheap odyssea fixtures don't last and there have been many reports of them catching on fire. I also don't think you can fit in a 125 gallon planted aquarium for under $500. I think you should start off with a smaller aquarium, maybe a standard 55 gallon.

I will be using some sort of co2...Idealy I would like a mostly automatic system.

An automatic co2 system costs $300+.

tazcrash69

· #8 · Jan 18, 2008

FWIW, I have the 4 X 96 over my 125 (chek the sig), love the lights, they are really easy to wire, and those reflectors will throw a ton more light into the tank than the reflector in that unit you mention.

Now that being said, if you put that much light over a 125, you will need CO2.

BTW, I understand the pain of loosing the biowheel (great for what it does), but the plants do a better job, and they look nicer (bio-wheels always remind me of the butt end of a paddle boat).

125 backup? What the heck is your primary????

Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · #9 · Jan 18, 2008

ummyeah said:
Those cheap odyssea fixtures don't last and there have been many reports of them catching on fire. I also don't think you can fit in a 125 gallon planted aquarium for under $500. I think you should start off with a smaller aquarium, maybe a standard 55 gallon.

An automatic co2 system costs $300+.

Well, the 500 dollar budget is basically only for the light and co2, I already have the tank, and filtration, stand, and accessories etc.

So...is $500 not reasonable for a lighting and co2 system?

I will skip the odyssea fixture and do the AHSupply lighting, its not that much more expensive but I do need to know what else besides the 4x96 kit I need to buy???

As far as co2, I saw a kit on ebay for 125$ minus the canister. Is this good enough? http://cgi.ebay.com/CO2-Pro-System-...eZWD1VQQtrksidZp1638.m118.l1247QQcmdZViewItem
Then add on a canister what is that going to cost like $150?

tazcrash69-LOL! by back up I mean it's taken down and I was going to sell it, but I am setting it back up. It's not a backup to a larger system.

And yes I am planning on doing co2 for sure.

Thanks for all the replies!

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Rex Grigg

· #10 · Jan 19, 2008

Personally I would go with 55 watt kits. Better choice of bulbs and pretty close to the same cost. Also you can really do some interesting intervals with a 6x55 watt kit over a 125.

A CO2 cylinder should run no more than $75 for a new 5 lb cylinder if you shop around. Very rarely will you get the best deals on eBay.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2.shtml

Personally I would get a 10 lb for a 125 gallon tank. The difference in the cost of the cylinder will be paid for quickly. It doesn't normally cost that much more to fill a 10 lb vs a 5 lb.

And check around where you live and make sure if you are going to buy a cylinder you can get it filled while you wait. If the only thing you can find is swaps then you should not have to buy a cylinder. And if you do then just find some crusty junkyard cast off.

The CO2 system you linked to IMHO over-priced for what it does.

Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · #11 · Jan 20, 2008

Rex Grigg said:
Personally I would go with 55 watt kits. Better choice of bulbs and pretty close to the same cost. Also you can really do some interesting intervals with a 6x55 watt kit over a 125.

Ok, ill check those out!

Rex Grigg said:
A CO2 cylinder should run no more than $75 for a new 5 lb cylinder if you shop around. Very rarely will you get the best deals on eBay.
http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/tanks/co2.shtml

Personally I would get a 10 lb for a 125 gallon tank. The difference in the cost of the cylinder will be paid for quickly. It doesn't normally cost that much more to fill a 10 lb vs a 5 lb.

Ok thats good to know! It does look like I will be able to get this done within by budget!

My mom has one of those kegorator things I bet she knows a good place to get co2 filled around here.

Rex Grigg said:
The CO2 system you linked to IMHO over-priced for what it does.

If you wouldnt mind could you (or anyone) point me in the direction of a better system?

I really appreciate the feed back!

I just got back from picking up the stain for my stand so Im finally going to get something accomplished!

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bharada

· #12 · Jan 20, 2008

If it'll fit under your stand see if you can get a 20# tank. Where I'm at the difference between a 10 and 20# used steel tank is only $10 ($85 vs $95).

FYI: You'll need about 28" of vertical clearence for the 20# tank with the regulator mounted.

ummyeah

· #13 · Jan 20, 2008

Here are two complete co2 systems minus the cylinder. They come with everything you need so you don't have to shop for parts. Remember to secure your cylinder.

Semi-Automatic: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9935&pcatid=9935

Automatic: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3747+9933&pcatid=9933

BiscuitSlayer

· #14 · Jan 21, 2008

Fishonthebrain said:
If you wouldnt mind could you (or anyone) point me in the direction of a better system?

I really appreciate the feed back!

I just got back from picking up the stain for my stand so Im finally going to get something accomplished!

Rex makes regulators, and I have heard nothing but good about them. My next regulator will be a Rexulator. Check out his site:

http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/

They are a little more expensive, but you know the old saying: "you get what you pay for"...

speechless33759

· #15 · Jan 22, 2008

Not to steal this thread but I thought on larger tanks you didn't need too many wpg? Would 2 1x96w kits from AH be enough or would that be to low of lighting?

Rex Grigg

· #16 · Jan 22, 2008

That would give you 192 watts over a 125. That would be decent lighting. You could most likely grow almost any plant but at a slower pace.

tazcrash69

· #17 · Jan 22, 2008

FWIW, I've grown plants in my 125 using only 2 X96 with AH Supply reflectors (they DO make a difference).

Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jan 22, 2008

You know I feel like a real doofus here. I mean I knew I was a newb and didnt have the slightest clue, but...

I was browsing the low tech forum and found that every plant I plan on keeping is on the "low light" list!

This is my planned plant stock:

Anubias nana
Needle leaf leaf Java Fern
Java Fern
Anubias coffefolia
Cryptocoryne balansae
Red Tiger Lotus

So now I think the best plan is (please chime in here!) to buy the 2 1x96 bright kits, use power sand and aqua soil and see how it goes. Meanwhile, have the funds on hand to buy another set of 2 1x96 and co2 if the plants dont do well.

An added benefit of keeping a "kitty fund" for more light and co2 is that if I should ever change my mind and decide to keep stem plants or more demanding plants the funds will be ready.

How does this sound???

My basic plan for this tank is lots of wood and only a few types of plants ^ just ALOT of them.

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Fishonthebrain

Discussion Starter · #19 · Jan 22, 2008

OOOPs I forgot that I also wanted a few patches of vallisneria nana, but I think this needs more care. Maybe Ill try it and see what happens?

bharada

· #20 · Jan 22, 2008

Vals aren't particularly high light plants. In fact they're easier to keep under control in a lower light situation.

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