What light do I need?

[mdo135]

I need a new light for my Amazon tank.
Here is the specs...

-I dont plan to spend a fortune.

-For plants I want amazon swords, java moss, brazilian pennywort maby others.

-I want it to be reletively low light to best simulate the amazon blackwaters, but enough for the plants to thrive.

-The tank is 2 ft. deep, and The light sits just above the water, maby 2 in. away

What size, length, watt and type of light do you suggest?

 

[mdo135]

I forgot to mention the tank size, im sure that would be important! lol it is 6' long, 3' wide and 2' tall.

 

[webdesigner]

I use two 36" Freshwater CoraLife AquaLights for 84 watts total over my tank which is the same height and length as yours and I feel it is plenty bright for a moderately planted predator tank. They cost about $60 and each linear strip contains two 21 watt bulbs. My amazons definitely don't thrive but they do grow. When I want to subdue the lighting I just cut one light off and move one light to the center of the tank which allows for the corners to be completely shaded. I've been thinking about adding some 6500k T8s or T12s and just using a shop fixture or building one. That way I could install some LED lighting too.


You could probably get two 24" AquaLights which would cost you the same as one 36" and achieve the look you want but you'd need to resign yourself to slow plant growth. Definetely research any plants before you add them to ensure they perfer or will tolerate low-light.

 

[mgamer20o0]

if you want to go cheap go for shop lights. pick up some t8 philips day light bulbs. you should be able to fit in 8x32w t8 bulbs. just stager them.

other option is cf set up from ahsupply.com

 

[WyldFya]

Personally I'd do T5s, but the same idea as mgamer.

 

[tuckersofswhouston]

6' flourescent lamps can be purchased but the cost is normally prohibitive. Grainger sells them, but they are generally overpriced (but a common name that why I mention them). Try you local sign shop distributor and they can order flourescent lamps for you up to 12' in length, just be sure to ask them for the correct ballast also.