Extra T5 tubes

[andywg]

Okay peoples. I have set up the first stage of lighting on my 85 gallon (uk - 100gal US). It currently contains 4 54W T5 Aqua-Medic Plant tubes.

I'm looking to add another 4 over the next few months but I think I would do better to install some different colour tubes. The tubes I have at the moment are around 7,500k.

Ideally I'd like to put in some different colour temperatures, maybe a blue similar to the actinics used in Marine to bring out the colours of the fish a little. I figured I'd have a bit of lee-way as this would put my WPG up to a little over 4 (US gallons) with 432 W.

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[maestro]

Personally i think that would be overkill unless you have a deep tank?

What are you planning to grow?
you'll need heavy co2 injection with that light a good substrate and regular dosing of nutrients

 

[andywg]

Tank is 18 inches deep, (6' X 18" X 18").

I'm mostly hoping to be able to get some of the different coloured plants (like the reds) and pretty much anything that I can.

I didn't think that 4 WPG would be too bad for a tank?

CO2 injection is not a problem, nor nutrients and substrate.

So, anyone have ideas on differnt colour temperatures?


Andy

Before I forget, the main reason I thought about more lights was because after rigging up the lights and turning them on (albeit with an empty tank) I felt it didn't look as bright as my current tank which has less light than I'd like...

 

[maestro]

The clue actinic lights wont help your plants alot but make the water look great with a clear blue sparkle.


You could try 2more plant tubes and 2 actinic.

You'll need a pressurised co2 canister system or u'll have major algae probs

 

[Pescado Guy]

Yeah I agree. You can't just upgrade the lights but you gotta do lots of other upgrades at the same time.

Kevin

 

[andywg]

I'll probably go for what you guys say.

Thanks for the advice.

If the rest of the stuff to set the tank up ever show up I'll post some pictures for you all to see the end result of all your advice

Andy