Decent light for low to medium light plants on 36g bow front

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Itsadeepbluesea

Itsadeepbluesea

Goliath Tigerfish
MFK Member
Apr 6, 2008
2,814
1,083
179
41
What would be a good quality light for low to medium light plants in a 36 gallon bow front? I'm looking for either LED or T5. It is a low tech tank (No CO2). Right now there are just java ferns and amazon swords in the tank. I haven't chosen my future plants but will plan them around this light fixture.
 
One of my tanks is a 35g tall low tech planted tank. I use a T5HO dual bulb (x2 24watt 6700k bulbs) on it to good effect. Basically works out to "medium" light, I use dry fertilizers and dose Excel to help make up for no co2 on this tank.

LED would also work of course, bit higher start up cost but you don't have to replace the bulbs every year which is nice.
 
I have been considering the T5 HO. What fixture have you been using? I'm trying to find a quality light with out breaking the bank but the "cheaper" versions seem to have to many 1 star ratings for my likings
 
Itsadeepbluesea said:
I have been considering the T5 HO. What fixture have you been using? I'm trying to find a quality light with out breaking the bank but the "cheaper" versions seem to have to many 1 star ratings for my likings
Click to expand...


The fixture I have sitting on that tank is made by Fluval. (Hagen)

http://www.fluvalaquatics.com/us/product/A3960-t5-ho-double-fluorescent-lighting-system/


The build quality on it seems alright. I didn't shop around or anything when picking it out though, it was just sitting around at work so I snagged it for cheap.


edit: if your tank or setup can accommodate 36" then you can actually go a size up - x2 39 watt bulbs in that case. At that point I'd consider it "high light" over top 36 gallons though.
 
Otherwise you could setup some shop ballasts and add two T5 bulbs above your tank... could even make a cheap reflector and save some money?

Otherwise, look for any housing with good reflectors (doesnt need to be super expensive bran), and add some good T5-HO bulbs for medium - high light depending how many bulbs you go for?
 
I've had decent success with certain med-low light plants using cfl bulbs. All low tech no co2 and only dosing iron. But, if you're looking for carpeting plants at some point, I wouldn't go higher than 18" tank height with cfl's.
 
I ended going with the AquaticLife light. It appears to be working well so far. The only problem I have is the time. Any time the power goes out it resets to default. I have to reset it each time which is a bit annoying. But the plants are growing well at this time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom