I need help... and lots of it. Information overload...

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
You have to decide tank size, before lights. If you are looking for low maintenance and no CO2, don't go for the crazy light. I grow nice crypts, hormwort, pennywort, java fern, moss, and even a huge amazon sword on the regular ole flourescent hoods. I also have the marineland LED lights which I LOVE on my 20 highs. I recommend a 20 high as a good starting point. The 20 long just doesn't have enough height...but that is probably a personal prefernce.
The more light you put on there, the more out of balance everything becomes. Then algae will start, etc.
 
I'm going for 20 gallon tank. Long because it gives me more room to aquascape. If it gets too high I'll clip them back and propagate them into my other tanks like my RCS tank or something sell them even. I think with a long the fish I want in there will be happier too... so... 96 watts is too much? I kind of thought so but I don't know.... I'm so confused on picking the right lights....
 
My biggest concern is them not fitting on the tank. What about this one it's 22 inches I know the standard 20 Long 30 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 12 3/4.... so.... it's too small? or what? I"M SO CONFUSED!!!
 
96 watts is way too much for a 20 long. I know the lighting thing is sooo confusing. Look at the coralife aqualight T5, the glo T5, or the NOVA extreme T5. Something around 36-48 watts.
 
What about this? My concern is... it's a 31 watt and flat top instead of multi angle to angle the light into the tank. The flat top will push it back onto the bulb.... Another issue is that the T5 is 109.00 excluding shipping and handling

http://www.marineandreef.com/Coralife_Aqualight_High_Output_T5_30_inch_p/res08601.htm

and the AHsupply one for a 55 watt 22 inch strip with everything for 78 dollars and some change. It also has the raised reflectors on it to bounce the light into the tank the proper way. Here's some bulbs to choose from all the same price:

54 45.75 5000K 11545 $17.99 54 45.75 6400K 11546 $17.99 54 45.75 2-6-10 11540 $17.99 54 45.75 10000K 11541 $17.99 54 45.75 Deep Blue 03 11549 $17.99 55 21.1-5" 5500K 15555 $17.99 55 21.1-5" 6700K 11556 $17.99 55 21.1-5" 3-6-10 11550 $17.99 55 21.1-5" 10000K 11551 $17.99 55 21.1-5" Bright Blue 11552 $17.99 55 21.1-5" Deep Blue 03 11559 $17.99 55 21.1-5" 10000K/Deep Blue 03 Combo 15519 $17.99
They're double tube I like the last one... but... I don't know much about bulbs so...
 
To be honest, to me that is still too much light if you are wanting an easy, low maintenance kind of planted tank. Others may say differently, but I know for me higher wattage just meant more alagae. I had really good luck when I first started out and didn't want to spend a ton money, with just regular fluorescent hoods. You can upgrade the bulbs and it will actually do quite well. I bought several of the twin strip lights. Many many people use shop lights...you can really spend as much or as little as you want. Now if you want to have a "grow anything I want" high light CO2 and ferts...you need a fancy light with really high output.

If there is one thing I have learned...you will get different answers from everyone you ask. The whole plant/light thing is a very confusing topic!! I finally just went with what I could easily afford. I started low wattage and found the plants that worked for me. I took advantage of RAOK on Aquariacentral and found lots of different things cheap. It let me try a variety until I found what grew well for me.
 
I plan on getting a timer and a photoperiod of 8 hours a day... if I get algae I will be doing Japonica shrimps and Otto catfish to combat it. I'd rather start with too much light rather than not enough.
 
The one thing I have learned as evidenced by my 150 full of black beard algae...you have to have balance. Once you start on the cycle of too much light/algae growth, ot is hard to back up. It's easier to add light than take it away if you decide you have too much.
I suggest you join aquariacentral and post this same question there. A LOT of really knowledgeable planted tank people there.
 
So what about the 36 watt? too little? Trial and error yes? I'd like to make this work first try... but it doesn't always happen and I want to have everything I need and not have to spend money to "upgrade" when I find out it's not enough.
 
Based on my personal experience, I would use the 36 watt. Use a good "planted tank substrate" like eco-complete. I have had great experiences with it and it looks nice too.

The second thing I have learned...this hobby is almost nothing but trial and error!!! LOL What works for some, doesn't work for all. Makes it a little hard to make decisons....I know how ya feel!!
 
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