Lighting Question for a 150

[nodima]

I have a 150 gallon tank which will be empty later this winter, and I am trying to figure out how to set it back up again. (Current inhabitants are going to a new, larger tank )

One option I am strongly considering is a semi planted SA tank. The tank is the standard 6' long 150, and is ~30" deep. I want to avoid doing a lot of work deep in the back if possible. I currently have a planted 29 gal, which will be broken down and some of the plants moved to the 150. Corkscrew Vals, Crypts, and a couple varieties of java fern are the main plants I will move over. I would then add one or two swords is my current thought, as I have had good luck with them in the past. I will be using CO2, since I have the set up already.

One idea I had is to concentrate the plants to one end of the tank, and put a large 4-5' long driftwood branch diagonally upwards from the planted end into the non planted end. Is it possible to also concentrate the lighting on one end of the tank, and have success growing plants? Will the tank look strange with more light at one end than the other?

What are the flaws in this logic?

 

[sostoudt]

Is it possible to also concentrate the lighting on one end of the tank, and have success growing plants? Will the tank look strange with more light at one end than the other?

What are the flaws in this logic?

of course it is if the plants are under the light.

maybe depends on how big the difference is, but lakes are like that with the sun being partially blocked sometimes

 

[yashaswibs]

What you are attempting is a triangle shaped aquascape which is a good place to be. You will actually have the illusion of lot of space and give the impact of plants as well. Will also show off the fishes who will come into the open space. DO evenly light your aquarium though.

 

[nodima]

Good to know, one thing that is causing me to hesitate on planting the 150 is getting enough light down to the substrate, as the tank is 30" deep. Suspect lighting the whole tank with 6x55 w cf would get hot and may be pricey, so I was thinking of concentrating some of the light.

 

[Griller]

I would concentrate the light.

I have kept deep planted tanks too and light is the issue. Brain storming ideas:

• Use very hardy plants such as vallisineria and blue stricta in your average light areas
• Put in submersible lights or spotlights for your special plants. This will also highlight those plants for viewers.
• Use a "tiered" system so the plants at the back are elevated closer to the surface. You can even put caves under the tiers for the fish. Use hardy or fake plants in the deeper section at the front.
• Make a rock reef to elevate the plants.

Your lighting may be uneven but you can play with it to make it look good. I'd try going symetrical - having plants concentrated in the centre or at the ends of the tank.