Lighting My 48x15x20 Inch Tank

[BINKSY]

Hello Everyone,

I have a 48 x 15 x 20 inch tank which holds about 240 litres which is a tropical and i have had a co2 system running for a week now (of the pressurized type)

At the moment it is lit by one tube which is of the arcadia original tropical lamp, it is 42 inches long and the wattage is 38

I plan to plant the tank so i am thinking i will need to increase the lighting level

The ph is at 7.5 at the mo was 8.5 before the co2 was introduced my kh is 13


SO any advise on lighting and which lamps to use would be very grateful

Many Thanks


Gordon

 

[themissingelf]

When using CO2 you should aim for 2 watts+ of lighting per US gallon.

 

[AlexAndCarmen]

Hi Binksy, I have the same tank size and i use two Arcadia new concept bulbs 6500k, they are good for plants and really bring out the colours of your fish and plants. Two bulbs over 55gal is definitely classed as low tech, but I'd still use CO2, and i do with success.

 

[BINKSY]

hi thanx for that, would you advise on using reflectors with these lamps?

 

[AlexAndCarmen]

Defently use reflectors. Lights for planted tanks is only governed by how much you want to spend! Our American buddies recommend over 4 Watts per gal while U.K go for more 2-3Wpg. But the more light you add the more CO2 ferts and maintance you'll need.
My advice is start slow with what you can afford and you'll get same results it just takes longer to grow.

 

[Fwapp]

Aquaessentials are pretty keenly priced for T5 lighting.

21" light will give 55W of light. The starter linked above will power two 55W lamps.

Very tempted myself!

 

[BINKSY]

1ST4AQUATICTICS


Just found this website, this t5 lighting system seems like a great solution and i think a very good price


Has anyone got this system in use or know any thing more about it.




Thanks Gordon

PS thank you for replies so far very helpful