Lighting a planted tank (sticky just confuses me)

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Z

Z Trip

Fire Eel
MFK Member
Aug 15, 2006
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Canada
I should soon be buying another aquarium to have real plants in it. Now I don't know what size tank I want, however, here are some of the ones I had in mind.

55g Standard
40g 48x12x12
46g Bowfront

Now I have an 85 gallon tank with two 48inch T5 lights on it and I find it bright.... However, the guy I work with told me thats knowhere near where I want to be if I want plants. So tell me, what should I do for lighting in my up and comming tank.

Also, a good "all around" substrate would be something I would like to know about too.

Thanks
 
I would go with the 40 gal breeder. It has more planting space and not much depth (easier for the light to penetrate).
I have just plain jane Flourite subtrate and it has served me well in the 5 years I've had my tank set up. Most of your substrate are gonna be good 'all around". Flourite has a bunch of different textures and colors and stuff, I would go with whichever one you think is best. I have never had black substrate, but it looks wicked cool in all the tanks that I have seen with it.

Whats the wattage and spectrum on the lights (the xxxW and xxxxK numbers)?
 
Ok thanks.

Well on the bulbs I have for my goldfish. The one says 6700K and all the other one says is "colourmax".... So yeah. Together they are, I believe 52 watts.
 
Ok so I like what I'm reading. I knew a shorter tank needs less lighting and well that save me money on light bulbs. lol.

I will be going to Big ALs on suday to buy the things I need to start like filter, substrate bulbs and fixture.

Thanks for everyone help. I hope this works :)
 
If your buying a new filter and everything. Try and get a canister. If you ever decide to go with co2 on the tank less surfuce agitation is better. Surfuce agitation causes the co2 to escape from the water and makes it less effective. The canister returns water underneath the surfuce and allows for minimal co2 to escape.

like what was said either go with t-5 or power compact, just dont get suckered into getting a setup with an actinic bulb, it does nothing for plants. I have 10000k power compact and it causes the water to look more green IMO I want to replace them with 6700k bulbs or 6500k bulbs to give it a more clear look.
 
O and substrate, I used eco complete. I like the black that it usually comes in and it works great for growing plants, its on the more expensive side though 25$ a bag. Friend has had great success with flourite by I believe seachem, it all depends on what you think looks good.
 
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