Lighting For A Low Tech 40gal Tank

[~T~]

Ok my tank measures 36" long 15" wide and 18" high and is currently lit by 2 240v arcadia starters and 2 30" arcadia freshwater tubes.

I will be changing to a low tech planted setup with black substrate, bogwood and mostly mosses/java ferns/anubias etc at first but I may add CO2 and try some other plants depending on how things do.

So my question is will my current lighing be enough and if not could you steer me in the right direction on what to get(that wont break the bank although if I dont need to).

Thanks

 

[lljdma06]

I'm not especially familiar with the types of lighting tubes available in the UK, but if I were setting up a low-light/low-tech 40g tank, I would aim for between 1-1.5WPG (Watts per Gallon) with good reflectors and a good quality bulb. Addiing CO2 is an option, though not a necessity. You'll get perhaps faster growth, and maybe you can throw in some hardy plants that like moderate lighting levels. I have a 20g that currently has 1.4WPG and has been run successfully with and without CO2 injection. Other plants to consider for your setup include Bacopa, cryptocorynes, some aponogetons. I have a list in my signature that will also do well. As long as you don't pick species that are especially demanding with regarding to lighting and nutrients, you should have a successful planted aquarium.

llj

 

[~T~]

I'm not especially familiar with the types of lighting tubes available in the UK, but if I were setting up a low-light/low-tech 40g tank, I would aim for between 1-1.5WPG (Watts per Gallon) with good reflectors and a good quality bulb. Addiing CO2 is an option, though not a necessity. You'll get perhaps faster growth, and maybe you can throw in some hardy plants that like moderate lighting levels. I have a 20g that currently has 1.4WPG and has been run successfully with and without CO2 injection. Other plants to consider for your setup include Bacopa, cryptocorynes, some aponogetons. I have a list in my signature that will also do well. As long as you don't pick species that are especially demanding with regarding to lighting and nutrients, you should have a successful planted aquarium.

llj

Ok it says they are 30watt tubes is that gonna be just enough?

 

[aaronnorth]

you have 1.5WPG which is sufficient for quite a few plants, CO2 will help but is not necassary.

 

[SuperColey1]

30 inches and 30W? Are thes T5 bulbs? If so turn one off. 30W T5 will be more than enough for a 40USG tank. I have 0.9WPG over my 33USG and it is 20" tall!!!!.

Take a look at my 'under the forest canopy journal'. This has ferns, anubias, crypts etc all under 0.9WPG for most of the day (was 1.8WPG) and everything is going mad. lol It is also growing blyxia which is supposed to be a high light plant.

I would suggest that T5 = 2 x WPG rules so 1WPG of T5 = 2WPG on the WPG rule etc.

Andy

 

[~T~]

Ok I ended up ordering new stuff as the chokes were a bit faulty and the tube were old.

I have this

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...N:IT&ih=012

and this

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...N:IT&ih=021

I take it that this will be more than enough, also would adding 2 2 litre DIY CO2 systems and having an airstone running at night improve my plant growth? I'll probably let the tank settle down for a while without the CO2.