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What lighting is best for my freshwater plants???

7K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  Byron 
#1 ·
Hello,
I'm new to this forum...and to the aquarium hobby:) I should warn you that I'm bound to have many questions over the next few weeks, and I look forward to learning as much as possible from the friendly members here.

We have a 55 gal freshwater setup. We currently have - (1) Honey Sunset Gourami, (4) Cardinal Tetra, (2) Red Minor Serpae Tetra, (3) Blue Tetra, (1) Phantom Black Tetra, (4) Fancy Guppies, (3) Cherry Barb, (3) Algae Eaters

We have live plants including - Amazon Sword Plant, Dwarf Sagitaria, Anacharis, Corkscrew Vallisneria, and a Hornwort.

Yesterday we noticed that some of our plants weren't looking their best. Naturally we went in the tank and "cleaned up" and/or trimmed them. The sword plant is pretty hardy, and actually doing well though. But the others, well, for example the hornwort was looking a bit black on some of its foilage. Others were turning yellow/brown. A friend suggested that we purchase different bulbs. Right now we are using the standard bulbs that came with the tank/hood.

What lighting is best for my plants? Your input is appreciated :)
 
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#2 ·
For your plants, you will want about 90-120 watts of lighting. Kelvin rating of 6,500-8,000. A high CRI rating, above 85 if possible and high lumens.

T5, T8, or power compact would be the easiest way to get it with the least space needed. T12 (standard flourescents) would be the cheapest way but would be larger.
 
#3 ·
Thank you for your reply:)

Would a PetSmart or other common pet supply chain store have what you suggested?

I noticed on the bulb packaging that they show a chart for the spectrum. A friend suggested that we look for high peaks in the blue and red area. Would that be your recommendation as well?

Also, what is the recommended amount of time that our lights should be on during the day?
 
#4 ·
The Kelvin rating is what to look for. I can never remember which color goes with which one. 6500K is pretty much the standard but I use one 6500K and one 7500 in my shop fixture and it works great.

Petsmart might have them but you are more likely to find them at a local fish store, a nursery supply or home improvement store.
 
#8 ·
smit3183, I would let this thread drop...it was back in 2008 and the member may not even be here now.

Don't worry, I did this several times when I first joined before I got in the habit of checking the posting dates.:lol:

Byron.

[And I will move the post by Bigdawg to a nesw thread.]
 
#6 ·
Hi guys i am also new to the forum and to the hobby, I am in dyer need of help with lighting. I know the lamps I am using now are not correct and need to know the best set up. I custom built my my stand hood and lighting system, I have a 4 lamp T8 fixture and would like to know what lamps or combo of lamps would work best for a moderately planted set up and which plants would be best. Any help will be GREATLY appreciated,

thank you in advance
I don't want to come off rude but maybe you need to start your own thread.
 
#9 ·
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