75G high-tech lighting options

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FSM

FSM

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Jan 1, 2008
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I am planning to turn my 75 into a planted tank, and I need to figure out what light to get. I'll have pressurized CO2 and fertilizer; I'm thinking about getting a 4-bulb T5HO fixture (216 watts) or something of similar power. Will this be too much light? Is compact fluorescent a better option? I have heard some great reviews about Catalina lights, and I have looked at the website and the prices seem reasonable (don't tell me to get a Tek fixture, they're waaaaay too expensive)

So, I am considering the 4x54W T5 fixture, which is $180, or the 4x65W PC fixture, which is $155. (cheaper on ebay)

I am open to other brands as well, as long as they don't cost more. The T5 fixture I already have is a Current Nova light.

Also, how noisy are the cooling fans?

thanks
 
yes go T-5 i have a 4 bulb fixture and i can grow any plant and i usually only run 2 of the 4 bulbs. be sure to get a fixture with a reflector for each bulb. the fixture you are looking at has that so if you stick with that one your good. and i dont know if your putting it in a hood or hanging it. but if your a DIY person, the kits can be a little cheaper and get you a good set up as well. just another option.
 
Definitely going to get T5, but should I get 4 bulb fixture or 3 bulb fixture? Most of the people who respond in other forums have said they use 2 bulbs only or 2 for most of the day with all 4 turned on for a few hours in the middle of the day. The 3x54W fixture is $140.
 
i would go with the 4 bulb because then you know for sure you will have enough light. with the 3 bulb you could be limited. it all depends on how high the light is from the tank if your using a glass cover but its easier to have more then enough light at the start and just use less bulbs then to try and add more later on. IMO
 
T5HO for sure. as for how much, i recommend staying under 2pwg with T5HO. anything more than that and youre asking for trouble. i also tried the "mid-day burst" with all 4 bulbs and i had algae issues.

my experience is that 2wpg of T5HO lighting and lots of pressurized co2 is the sweet spot
 
I've seen your tank, I think I'm convinced.

Even 3 bulbs is a bit over 2 WPG, so I think I should be fine. WPG is a silly measurement though, especially in tanks with odd measurements.
 
Yep I'm on board with JC. I run a 2x54 t5 Hagen fixture with a large DIY CO2 setup. If you have the cash, go pressurized. Mixing up 3 bottles of yeast slurry a week really sucks.
 
Going to get the 3x54W fixture. Catalina has 6500k, 10000k, and "plant grow" bulbs. I don't like the look of low color-temp bulbs alone, but combined with others I think it would be alright.

10000k is basically white, which looks nice. In the pictures, the plant bulbs look very pink, which might be weird.

jcardona1;3154046; said:
T5HO for sure. as for how much, i recommend staying under 2pwg with T5HO. anything more than that and youre asking for trouble. i also tried the "mid-day burst" with all 4 bulbs and i had algae issues.

my experience is that 2wpg of T5HO lighting and lots of pressurized co2 is the sweet spot
Click to expand...

Did the plants still pearl with just 2 bulbs on?
 
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