Adding plant filtration

[coalcut]

I want to add plant filtration to my 340gal tank. The tank is located in my garage where there's no natural light available. Questions:

1. Can I use some type of grow light? If so, what brand, wattage, etc?

2. I have several plastic totes from Costco (black & yellow). I think there're around 30gals. Are these ok to use or is it better to simply use a cheap acrylic or glass tank? (Note: I plan on using both underwater and above water plants).

You're thoughts,

Thanks.

 

[BIG-G]

For the lights you can go as fancy and expensive or as cheap as you like.
I’ve used cheap led in a clamp on fixture.
You can find just about anywhere.
You just want a light around 6500k, this is a full spectrum light and will grow plants and looks decent enough for viewers.

Some of the actual grow lights are red. Red light spectrum is the most useful for plants and can be found on line or in most garden centers.
These look really red great for plants but not so much for viewing.

 

[twentyleagues]

I use sunlight supply (brand) t5 led replacements they go in standard t5 fixtures (not overdriven ones). They look nice and grow plant well. They come in a grow a bloom and I think 1 other. But you can get led shop lights in 5500k to 6500k (65 better but harder to find) cheeper and easier then the bulbs above and those grow plants above and below the water just fine too. The totes work fine, they bow a bit with the water weight so keep that in mind while setting it up. Speaking of set up what's your plan to tie it all together?

 

[BIG-G]

I also use Beamswork and nicrew lights on amazon with decent results. These are cheap as far as led aquarium light go.

I have use some older VHO fluorescent and T5 that was mentioned by twentyleagues
I’ve used 5000k as well, they will work they tend to look a little yellow for my liking but will grow plants.
I’ve read / heard that 5000k will cause more algae, but I can’t say that’s true in my experience.
If you plan on adding pothos vines they will grow under just about any lights and really don’t need a lot of light.

 

[coalcut]

For the lights you can go as fancy and expensive or as cheap as you like.
I’ve used cheap led in a clamp on fixture.
You can find just about anywhere.
You just want a light around 6500k, this is a full spectrum light and will grow plants and looks decent enough for viewers.

Some of the actual grow lights are red. Red light spectrum is the most useful for plants and can be found on line or in most garden centers.
These look really red great for plants but not so much for viewing.

Thanks for the info. ?

 

[coalcut]

I use sunlight supply (brand) t5 led replacements they go in standard t5 fixtures (not overdriven ones). They look nice and grow plant well. They come in a grow a bloom and I think 1 other. But you can get led shop lights in 5500k to 6500k (65 better but harder to find) cheeper and easier then the bulbs above and those grow plants above and below the water just fine too. The totes work fine, they bow a bit with the water weight so keep that in mind while setting it up. Speaking of set up what's your plan to tie it all together?

Thanks for the info on lighting. I plan on placing the plant filter above my tank (on the side ...on a storage rack). I'll use a small pump to pump into the filter and return water to the tank by a hose and gravity.