Planted Aquarium Lighting - What should I buy?

by **LeviNHeidi4480** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:29 am

I have been looking to upgrade my lighting for plant growing purposes. I recently came across a High Output Compact Flourescent, 110W setup (2 bulbs). I was wondering if anyone had any input on if this would be a good idea. I have read that the compact flourescent lighting gives you a lot of bang for your buck. This would also increase my wattage per gallon immensely. I have also come across a T5 HO setup. This one requires 2 40W T5 bulbs. Any suggestions would be great. By the way, the aquarium is a 55 gallon.

by **LeviNHeidi4480** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:38 am

One more thing. I am kind of leaning towards the Compact setup because it comes with the bulbs. With the T5, I would have to buy the bulbs also.

by **spongebob4460** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:45 am

I dont know too much about planted tanks, but i do know the correct lighting depends heavily on the types of plants you intend on keeping, as some use different strengths of light than others. So include a list of plants you would like to keep, that will better help determine your needs.

by **LeviNHeidi4480** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:52 am

Thanks Spongebob. We currently have Microsword, Amazon Sword Plant, Moneywort, Wisteria, and a few others. We would like to also create a carpet effect with either Riccia, Java Moss, or the microsword.

by **Peterkarig3210** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 3:16 am

A lot of people seem to like the PC's. I've heard that the new VHO's that have come out only this year are fantastic, much better than the older VHO's like I guess I have. Another light that I've heard great things about are the SHO compact fluorescents that screw into any incandescent fixture. These are very efficient and you can use hoods that have only incandescent screw in receptacles. They're only like $8.oo or something and I'm gona get some for sure.

by **LeviNHeidi4480** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:06 am

Yeah, I have heard good things about the screw-in type also. I am going to try to track down a fixture that will handle them. Thanks for the suggestion.

by **gumbii** » Fri Mar 14, 2008 4:17 am

go to a hydrophonics store... there's one local to me, and they push metal halides to every application...

someone told me about flourix from home depot... hint hint...

by **LeviNHeidi4480** » Sat Mar 15, 2008 7:43 pm

Thanks for your replies everyone. I decided to go with the Power Compact setup. WOW! What a difference 90 more watts will make! My plants should love it. I'll keep you posted on the results.

by **Peterkarig3210** » Sun Mar 16, 2008 12:25 am

Good going. Now start saving money for replacement bulbs! After 6-10 months the bulbs will be shot and you'll need to replace them, and new ones are $30-$50 a bulb!

Planted Aquarium Lighting - What should I buy?

9 posts