48x24x24 need lights on the cheap.

[conig]

I have a 120 wide with some giant hairgrass, java fern, anubus, and crypts. I can keep anubus going but it doesn't look great.

the tank has 2 48 t12 and 2 15watt t8's. 110watts for 120 gallons.

I understand i need 2 watts per gallon, but how is that rated. a 65watt cfl pendent I am looking at puts out 300watts of equivalent light...would that actually be enough?

I am also considering getting a pair of 10.5 inch clamp lights and setting them up as 70watts each halide, or 105 watt cfl's. has anyone ever used these types of lights as pendents before? Something like the center light below.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Assuming favorable water chemistry, you should be able to keep these species with quality fluorescent bulbs (e.g. from www.seraessentials.com). Just change out the old lights.

HarleyK

 

[FSM]

that doesn't look like a 120

 

[Iffrat]

Howdy,

Assuming favorable water chemistry, you should be able to keep these species with quality fluorescent bulbs (e.g. from www.seraessentials.com). Just change out the old lights.

HarleyK

ehh i would use that site but the sound will not stop .. and im not about to listen to that for 20 min while i check out there stock .. i hate people who do not know how to put together a PROFESSIONAL web site ..

 

[conig]

that doesn't look like a 120

no clue what size that is its not my tank its from the site selling the bulbs for the clamp lights.

I also didn;t see any t12 bulbs on that site. I'm wanting to use bulbs like this, http://www.growlightsupply.com/105-watt-cfl-grow-lamp-6500k-p-83.html , I might mount 2 105 watt 5000lumen lights inside my standard eclipse light with an 18 inche acitanic 420 in the middle for color enhancement.

http://americanaquariumproducts.com/PowerCompact.html

 

[andro23]

By the time you do all that DIY work you can get one of these and have plenty of light for your tank,

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-inch-BLACK-s...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a76acc52

 

[hybridtheoryd16]

By the time you do all that DIY work you can get one of these and have plenty of light for your tank,

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-inch-BLACK-s...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a76acc52

I like this idea the best.

Simple and pleasing to look at.

 

[conig]

By the time you do all that DIY work you can get one of these and have plenty of light for your tank,

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-inch-BLACK-s...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a76acc52

I can;t open the link at home but from the address I already know what it is. lol

I can't use the legs with my lid. would 80 watts one 10,000 one 6500 or acitanic be enough for just anubuis species and java fern? I might just change the species up.

 

[andro23]

Just leave the legs off and sit it on top of your glass canopies. I would prop it up a little off the glass to get air circulation to the bulbs. 2 pieces of 1/2" thick pieces of wood cut the width of the fixture and about 1" wide would work.

Actinic has no value to plants, if anything on a FW tank it would cause algae. Plants require lighting in the 5000-8000K range. Generally 6500K is the best spectrum for growth. Even for the plants mentioned I would do no less than 1WPG

 

[conig]

I just ordered a 48 dual 6700 t5ho fixture. I hope this does the trick. its alittle less wattage then I have but should have more lumen's.

thats if I understand it correctly.