Ideal Lighting For 65gal That Is Lightly Planted?

[jeej]

My tank is 36x18x24, equates to 255L and 65US Gal. Currently I have just one 30w T8 bulb in an Aqua One reflector. I don't think this is enough light as it works out as 0.46WPG. Plus I have noticed some of my Anubias getting a bit leggy, like they are reaching out for light.

I have bout half a dozen small Anubias plants growing on driftwood, rocks and even a terracotta urn. Can anyone suggest an ideal lighting setup for my tank that would allow my current plans to thrive reasonably well without the need for additional CO2? I'm a bit confused by all the different types of bulbs available etc!

Thanks!

 

[SuperColey1]

Is the 30W bulb the same length as the tank?

I would suggest if you only have and only want low light plants like Anubias that you just get another 30W and an external ballast off ebay (starter unit).

That would give you 0.9WPG which should be OK for low light plants over a large tank.

Andy

 

[jeej]

Yeah, the current light is as wide as the tank.

I was thinking bout adding another 30w bulb, but my current reflector only takes one bulb. Should I not buy a new reflector that takes two?

Also, what type of bulb/s should I get?

Thanks for your response.

 

[SuperColey1]

I would get the reflectors that clip to the tube. Then when you get a new ballast you would find it supplied with some hood clips which you screw into the hood, the tube then clips into it and then the reflector clips over the tube.

As for lamps there are sooo many options. I would check out aquaessentials.co.uk in UK and probs Drs foster and smith in the US. These 2 sites will give you some ideas r.e. good tubes for plants.

reflectors and lights are also good in the UK from aquatics-online.co.uk

I use HO T5 and not really very clued up on T8s. Mine are Realux Plant Grow and Realux Daylight.

Andy

 

[jeej]

Sorry to sound like a complete dumb ####, but what is the difference between the reflector and the ballast? At the moment my Aqua One reflector houses one bulb and the whole unit just rests on the inside of my big wooden hood. I'm struggling to invisage your suggestion!

Do you perhaps have links to pics of what you mean?

Thanks again for your help!

 

[SuperColey1]

There are several parts required to make a fluorescent light work:

Ballast. This is the power for your tube. You can get magnetic which requires the circular start with 2 pins or an electronic one which needs no starter (obviously electronic ones are better)

Out of the ballast will be a power cord to go to the mains and 2 end caps that you slide the 2 pins on each end of the bulb into (or 4 pins on 1 end in the case of a power compact light)

So you have ballast (power) going to the end caps and the tube fitted inbetween the end caps.

A reflector is just as it sounds. simply a piece of polished metal that reflects the light that eminates from the tubeaway from the tank back towards the tank

LINK TO STARTER UNITS - Contains a starter and ballast with plug and end caps.

LINK TO REFLECTORS

LINK TO GENERAL LIGHTING


EDIT. Looking at Aquaone lighting I now see what you mean. The aqua one is a ballast/reflector in one. Seems to include tubes too.

Found a link HERE

On the tube that is fitted in your unit what does it say. It should have a brand bulb type and loadsa numbers. If it is a daylight or similar (10000K) then you should then get a pink light like a Sylvania Grolux to go with it. You should be able to search "Grolux T8" on google.com.au and get loads results.

Andy

 

[jeej]

Ah yes, that would be the confusion, the Aqua One is both in one! It all makes sense now!

Thanks for the links. Now I just need to do a bit more research on colour temp etc...

 

[SuperColey1]

There are many debates on colour temperature and it's benefits.

Some including a very notable source that is well known in the planted aquarium hobby say that it doesn't matter what the spectrum is and that the total watts of light is what matters.

Others insist that the pink lights in the 5500-7500K are essential.

I play safe really I have a pink light and a daylight so I have the wattage covered and the K ratings covered. lol

People tend to have a pink light and a white (daylight) combination as the colour to the human eye is better.

Pink lights on their own give the tank a pink glow. Daylights on their own tend to give a green colour to the tank. The 2 together tend to balance each other out and bring the colour back to a more 'natural looking' light.

People often say one tube is brighter than another tube but if they are both the same T diameter, same wattage then they are both as bright as each other, just to our eyesight 1 looks brighter.

Its the same with animals/insects What we see as a yellow they may see as a grey or a pink etc.

Andy