lighting fixture over a 125 gallon..

smit3183

Going to be a low tech planted. What would be the best route to go as for a fixture or fixtures? Tank is standard 6 footer.

Byron

Several options. First, T8 (the "normal" fluorescent tube lighting). I don't know if there are 6-foot T8 fixtures, so you might have to use two 3-foot dual tube fixtures; depending upon the type of centre brace o the tank frame, this could work.

A better option here might be T5 fluorescent, with two 48-inch tubes. Some of the T5 fixtures taking two 4-foot tubes will extend at the ends to fit 5 and 6 foot tanks. And the brighter light with T5 HO tubes would be sufficient for this tank.

Another option is LED, something I have no personal experience with. It is very expensive, and while initially it was deemed rather poor light for plants over larger tanks, the newer types are getting better. As i say, I have never used it, but I mention it because it is out there.

Byron.

smit3183

Thanks Byron, but wouldnt the T5 be a little intense?
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Byron

Normally over a 4 or 5 foot, yes. I tried a dual 48-inch T5 over my 5-foot 115g and after a week took it back for a dual T8. But your 6-foot 125g is adding that extra length, and I might consider trying this--an advantage of buying from a local fish store means you can probably take it back. I was thinking floating plants too. And, you might be able to find NO T5 tuibes which are basically the same intensity as good T8. It is the length that leads me into T5...unless you can find/get 6-foot T8 fixtures. ??