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light question for Byron

2K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  GwenInNM 
#1 ·
Byron, if you could please advise me on the type of light I should buy for my "new" tank, I do plan on doing live plants.

The tank measures 36.5" L X 16D x 17"H. Aquarium calculator puts that at 43 gal.

Fixture takes a 24" 8T florescent bulb.

Thank you in advance for your reply! You are very helpful!!

Gwen
 
#3 ·
Gwen, a 24-inch tube over a 36-inch tank is pushing it a bit, but it will work for many plants. I have a 30-inch over my 36-inch tank, and a 24-inch over my 30-inch. On these tanks I only use Life-Glo tubes. They are the best light for the plants and appearance, and have sufficient intensity for most plants. They come in standard wattage for the length, so just find the correct length in Life-Glo [without the "s" after Life-Glo 2).

Stem plants will be difficult [these are mostly high light plants due to rapid growth] but swords, crypts, vallisneria can manage. I have a red tiger lotus in these tanks too, and it manages although the leaves are reddish-brown more than bright red. Floating plants are fine, but they will shade the lower plants in which case crypts work well on the substrate.

Here's a photo of my recently-setup 29g SE Asian lagoon tank. And photos of the 33g SE Asian pond tank are under my "Aquariums."

Byron.
 

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#4 ·
Thanks for advise



Thanks Byron. I also appreciate you telling me which plants will do best. I was just going to order some from the Sweet Aquatics site, put some in my cart, and decided to wait- which is good. I will stick with the plants you suggest and go look now for a Life-Glo bulb.

Gwen
 
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