Light/bulb Options

[Dan81192]

Well i have a majority of plants (name unsure)

But anyway they seem to do well for a few weeks and just die off.

do i not have enougth light?

i have a 36W bulb and my tank is 42gal u.k

footprint is 48*15"


HELP!

 

[Colin_T]

probably not
you want a couple of 36watt globes for most plants in that size tank. It also depends on what plants you are keeping and how long the light is on for. Have the light on for about 12-14hours per day. if you get lots of algae then decrease the photoperiod. If you don't get any algae you can increase the lighting time to 16 hours per day but they must have 8 hours rest (darkness).
As for the plants, try to buy plants that cannot support their own weight when they are removed from the water. If the plants stay standing up after they have been taken out of water they are probably marsh plants and won't do that well in an aquarium. Hygrophillas, Swordplants & Cryptocoryns are exceptions and do well under or above water.

Some good plants to try include Ambulia, Hygrophilla polysperma, Ludwigia, Elodia, Swordplants & Narrow Vallis.

 

[Dan81192]

ah kk. well i need a hood

know of any twin light hood there is to buy?

i can't find one
i need a light at front and at back

 

[JimShorts]

How about one of these:

Nova Extreme 48" Dual T-5 Fixture (2x54w)

You can probably find those on some UK-based sites as well. But being from the US I don't really know the UK sites that well.

 

[aaronnorth]

without the plant name it is hard to tell why the plants are dying. easy ones

elodea
java fern
java moss
hygrophillia polysperma
moss balls
amazon swords

http/www.fishforums.net/content/Plants-a...-Planted-links/

 

[Dan81192]

From what ive read i just need more light!

anybody reckonmend a full 48*15" hood with twin light compartments!?

 

[aaronnorth]

go for a luminaire, they are easier to source. If you stick with the plants i listed above you will be fine. if you go any higher than 80w then you will need to inject CO2

http/www.aquatics-online.co.uk/catalogue/lighting.asp

http/www.charterhouse-aquatics.co.uk/cat...-c-194_195.html

 

[Dan81192]

not keen on those. want a hood really.

 

[aaronnorth]

try zooplus