Considering a Change

[Sab_Fan]

I have a 96W CFL on my 30G planted tank . . . low-tech setup (i.e., no CO2), and I get OK growth out of my plants (anubias, crypts, java ferns, one sword), no worries there . . . I do think I am using more wattage / power than I need

the CFL is a 6700/10,000 fixture that generates plenty of bright light, certainly looks nice . . . maybe runs a little warm . . .

the change I am considering: 24" dual-tube T5 HO
* probably a Hagen GLO
* with either 2 Life-Glo bulbs or Life-Glo/Power-Glo combo
* would now be 48W total

the 30G tank is 36" wide, but I think a single-tube 36" light would be too little, and a 36" dual tube would be too much . . . based on the PAR charts that Jcardona1 has provided - - and my own experience with a Hagen on my 15G tank - - I think a dual 24" fixture would be just right

sorry for all the detail, just wanted to know: does anyone think this is a good/bad idea?
whew . . .

 

[Sab_Fan]

bummer ... thought I'd get at least an opinion ...

oh well . . . maybe my best bet would be to keep the CFL, try going with straight 6700K or something . . .

the bulb in there right now should be ok until end of the year, so I have time to think about it . . .

 

[jcardona1]

if you dont wanna add co2, stick with the lighting you have. t5ho are very intense. i've been battling some minor algae issues on my 57g using two t5ho bulbs, and with lots of co2/ferts. anybody that's been doing planted tanks for a while will tell you, you shouldnt be running these lights w/o co2. it just isnt needed for a lowtech tank and will only give you more problems. if you want more growth, you're gonna have to add co2/ferts along with the increase in light.

that or you can mount the fixture 2ft above the tank

 

[FLESHY]

Get the hagen 8000k that is purple. I think it was hagen. From the thread the other day. I want to see what that looks like.

 

[Pyramid_Party]

How about a T5NO fixture instead of HO?

 

[Sab_Fan]

if you dont wanna add co2, stick with the lighting you have. t5ho are very intense. i've been battling some minor algae issues on my 57g using two t5ho bulbs, and with lots of co2/ferts. anybody that's been doing planted tanks for a while will tell you, you shouldnt be running these lights w/o co2. it just isnt needed for a lowtech tank and will only give you more problems. if you want more growth, you're gonna have to add co2/ferts along with the increase in light.

that or you can mount the fixture 2ft above the tank

thanks . . . that is very helpful . . . if nothing else,sticking with what I have should save a bit of $$$

 

[Sab_Fan]

How about a T5NO fixture instead of HO?

that is what I used to have on this tank, and it worked fine too . . . hmmm . . . a little more thinking to do

most likely will stick with what I have for a while . . . thanks for the feedback