Lighting question

RSully

OK, I've had my 65 high up and running for almost 2 months. I have anubias nana on driftwood and rock balls. Also have a bamboo shoot, cabomba and another type I can;t fnd the name or remember what it's called (I was told to just put it alond the driftwood and it would eventually attach itself to it. While things are doing ok, I know we need better lighting. My question is, we're going to upgrade our lighting and would like some thoughts.

1. t5 HO dual ballast running the zoo med floura 39 watt with the zoo med ultra sun 39w.

2. Upgrading the light in my single ballst standard hood to a t-8 10k bulb ( I know that wont be enough)

3. Switching to LED's. If so, can someone recommend a brand or a link to a site? Cost isn't too much of an issue.

It will need to be a 36" ballast or strip.

Thanks

Boredomb

If it was me I would get a Dual T8 bulb ballast and run that. They do make them in that size but you will probably have to order one online. Also 10000k is a little high in the Kelvin range. You need something in the range of 5000-7000. 6500k being the best for plants. That setup would work for the plants you have in your tank now.

fish monger

I agree with the T8 double tube 6500K setup. When you get into the T5HO area, you also have to think CO2 injecting. Of course, it depends on which route you want to go. Your current plants suggest low tech (T8, 6500K). T5HO with CO2 would be considered a high tech.

RSully

Would the double t8 have enough penetration on a tank this deep? I appreciate the responses. Just would like to make this a onetime purchase. I would eventually like to add some other plants but want to kind of keep it fairly low tech.

Byron

How deep is this tank? I assume the length is 36 inches?

RSully

36" long by 18" wide by 24" tall

Byron

Thanks. So, now to your question on whether two T8 tubes would be sufficient. Yes.

But this needs qualifying. You mentioned keeping it low tech, what most of us here term "natural" so yes dual T8 tubes at 36 inches which run full length will work. This is much what I have on my 4-foot and 5-foot tanks, in 48 inches. And my 90g and 115g are 24 inches depth. If you want to see the sort of plant growth this allows, check the photos under "Aquariums" below my name on the left.

Any of the green-leaf largish swords (Echinodorus species like Echinodorus bleherae and Echinodorus cordifolius) will grow very well in this depth (I have both in my 115g tank), and pygmy chain sword or chain sword on the substrate. Crypts will be fine. Java Moss on wood or rock. Floating plants. Lots to choose from.

You need decent spectrum tubes however. As was mentioned by others, the "daylight" around 6500K work fine. I happen to have one Life-Glo 6700K 32w and one GE Daylight 6500K 32w over two of my tanks, and on the other I have a Life-Glo and a Phillips Daylight Deluxe 6500K.

Byron.

RSully

Thanks! I'll look into it.

RSully

Thoughts? To much or would it be ok?

Marineland Aquatic Plant LED Light System - 24 to 36 in. | ThatPetPlace.com

Quantum

looks pretty good, not too familiar with the LEDs, but would probably be good for low light plants

it says that fixture fits 24" to 36" tanks so the fixture itself is only 24" wide, I wouldn't like that much space at the ends of the tank without light

I like these: Aqualight T5 Dual Lamp Aquarium Lighting Fixtures | ThatPetPlace.com, with the 6700K bulbs