Which lights to use for planted tank? (new at this help!)

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CichlidAddict

Gambusia
MFK Member
Apr 19, 2006
740
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MN
I'm completely new to the whole planted thing and I have a few questions for you experts out there.
I have a 225 gallon tank (6x2x2.5) with gravel substrate and I have a dozen assorted "low-light" plants arriving soon.
The light fixture holds 4 bulbs and I currently have 6 bulbs and am wondering which ones I should use.
I have:
(2) Coral Sun Actinic 420
(2) PowerGlo 30 watt
(2) Eclipse Natural Daylight F30/T8

Which 4 should I put in there?
How long should I leave them on each day?
Also, do I have to dose with fertilizer?
 
the actintics won't do much for plant growth. your lighting secedule should be more than 6hrs and less than 12.
plantedtank.net has a good low-tech forum
 
What plants are you getting? For low light plants you still should have ~225 watts in compact florescent, metal halide, or high output T5s. The bulbs you have can be rated at half their wattage rating, as they do not put out much in lumens. Don't use the actinics though. Check here for more information in the lighting section.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com