Attractive Lighting Options

[shookONES]

Alright so I'm getting another tank to add to the stable. All of my tanks are eventually going to end up in my basement. I want to do something new with this tank. I'm buying used and it was used as a SW and doesn't have a glass top. I was thinking that I could not run a glass top at all. This will allow me to do an Amano style aquascape with driftwood coming out from the water. But that's all second hand. I want to do somethign cool with the lights. I was thinking of hanging a 48" Coralife Aqualight from my dropped ceiling. Anyone have any input?

 

[WyldFya]

No good. The higher PC hoods are, the less they are useful. They have no penetration power, and when over 24" they really become weak for plant growth. Either a HO T5 setup that is suspended, VHO or MH would be recommended.

 

[rallysman]

DIY MH would be nice.

 

[WyldFya]

I'd agree, MH setups offer the maximum customizing options. Depending on tank size a couple 150 MH with a couple HO T5 bulbs adding on in the same reflector would do amazing things for your plants.

 

[shookONES]

I apologize. Rereading what I wrote, I misled you guys into thinking this was a full blown planted tank. In fact, I only plan on planting the back wall and a few plants around the tank. No planted tank by any means. Most of the fish will be monsters.

 

[WyldFya]

Regardless of how heavy the plant stock is, the lighting still needs to be adequate for the plantes being kept. Lighting for plants doesn't rely on how much you have (to and extent), but rather the intensity of the light.

 

[rayman45]

game plan change already??

 

[shookONES]

No I just want some vals and ferns to fill up the back of the new tank. Bare bottom was way too boring for me. I'm doing it right this time.