Aquarium Lighting

[Captain Retardo]

I have decided that I want to plant my tank, but I realize my lighting is absolutely horrible ( I'm pretty sure it is only 15 watts) I have a 29 gallon tank, and I have to buy flourescent light bulbs that are 24 inches long, but it seems like all of the 24 inch light bulbs out there are only 20 watts, I can't spend a lot of money, so i can't really upgrade to VHO, or twin fixtures, so I was wondering if there are any lights out there that are strong enough to support a moderate light aquarium? Or does everybody who wants to grow plants (at least a little) get screwed over and have to spend lots of money? Currently the only plant that lives in my tank is Java Fern, but I want to grow other plants, like Vallisneria. Plants that are easy to grow, and common, i have learned that even those plants die in my current lighting.

 

[Captain Retardo]

please reply...

 

[keepsfalling]

Have you tried these? http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue...ntrol_units.asp not sure how much money is a lot of money to you but these seem much more affordable than a lot of things I've seen. (Not sure whether they do them in America(?) but you can usually pick them up off ebay for quite cheap as well)

If you have a look at http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=96754 it gives you an idea of the questions you should ask your LFS to get the right type of bulb as well - they do make different bulbs for different light levels, they're a little bit more expensive than others but saves you forking out for new plants if they keep dying at the moment!

You need to take into account what fish you have in the tank first too, you don't want to go and fork out for a nice uber bright tube and then have your fish stressed because they're very sensitive to light!!

Hope this is of some help at least and good luck with you plant growing..

P.S. check out the planted forum if you haven't already as there could be other factors causing problems rather than the lighting! http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showforum=10

 

[The-Lion]

I got great deals on several different Arcadia I-bars on E-bay. I was that impressed when i brought the first one, i brought one for all of my tanks. I use their tropical bulb along side their freshwater bulb. I was amazed at how much they brought out the fish colours & plant growth is great.