Another Lighting Question

[tony2501]

Hi All

Am thinking of having another go at a planted tank, this time with a lot more thought and prepertion - the tank is about 10Gallons (UK) 24*12*12.

So far I've decide to use Seachem Flourite as a substrate, with yeast based CO2 (if needed), with an Ecco 2232 or aquaball filter (scared incase the Ecco is to powerful) and I'm still making my final selection for plants.


My problem is the lighting, can't afford an Luminaire, just now, so I'm thinking of using 3/4 11W arc pods, and was wondering if this would work.


Thanks in advance

 

[Themuleous]

Aren't arc pods around 30quid each? even 3 would be £90, you could get a better system for less. Something like this would do (I take it you want a high light tank?)

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/3x24W-T5-Lighting-ha...oQQcmdZViewItem

You'll need to change the bulbs but I have one and its very good. You could also easily DIY a light with say a power compact T5 tube with reflector.

BTW, I run an eheim 2211 classic on my 5g nano, and with a little DIYing the power isn't an issue. You cant really over filter a tank and generally the more the better in a planted tank, any tank for that matter.

Sam

 

[nry]

I have a 36w Interpet Power Compact T5 over my 15-gallon (24/12/12), gives me ~2.5wpg (in US gallons anyhow!). Cost me £35 for tube, starter unit and reflector. Pretty easy to mount in a hood if you are even remotely good at DIY.

 

[Castellop123]

...

 

[tony2501]

thanks for all the relies and the link - I've a had a problem with using eBay, as the last time I did paypal screwed up my credit cards.which took weeks to sort out, and the gut selling the item didn't even have any in stock.

But I maybe willing to give them another try as that would be a perfect solution for the lighting. Will let you know what I decide.

I did consider the DIY option, but the hood I have cannot be modified to house anymore lights, and I'm useless at woodwork DIY.

The arc pods I saw were £19.95 each on Charterhouse

Again thanks for the replies - will be making my decision in the next week or so on the way forward, so will update you then.

 

[tony2501]

Just thought I'd thank Themuleous for the link - ordered the lights on Thursday arrived today.

Only checked to make sure they are working but seem bright enough.

Now all I need is the filter to arrive and I can plan when to take time off work to order the plants, tubing and difuser and put a DIY CO2 system

Will post pictures when setting it up.