Lighting Unit? + Plant Help

[MewMew42]

Im looking at the hagen glo t5 double overtank luminaire

Link

this is for my 3ft tank

now a couple of questions!

good lighting system?
would 2 39w t5 bulbs be overkill? i dont have very many complex plants, its just theyre dying and i dont know why
what bulbs would be beneficial?
does anyone know of somewhere i can get one cheaper?
any alternatives?

on a side note do reflectors actually make a difference?

thanks =]

Edit: check posts below for plant info

 

[england]

looks good

twin 80watt T5 luminaire lighting
http/www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zeTYUP59us

 

[Mr Spoon]

Does look good, not over kill, i have 2 x 35w on my 3 foot without reflectors, its not dim or too bright. Some reflectors claim to double the light output but i dont think they do, maybe 25 - 50% brighter.

 

[Truck]

If your plants are dying this really won't help, the more light you add the more CO2 and nutrients the plants need, it simply isn't a case of more light = better plant growth.

If you post your tank stats, plants you're trying to grow and how what lighting you currently have, I'm sure we can help you out.

 

[three-fingers]

If your plants are dying this really won't help, the more light you add the more CO2 and nutrients the plants need, it simply isn't a case of more light = better plant growth.

If you post your tank stats, plants you're trying to grow and how what lighting you currently have, I'm sure we can help you out.

Ditto, unless you have gone for loads of high light species, buying a new light unit with hopes of aiding plant growth will just end in disappointment.

 

[MewMew42]

thanks guys

the other reason I wanted a new light unit was because I hate my old hood =[ so Id rather go for something great than mediocore

right tank stats

its a 28gallon long tank with a fluval 3+ and U3 temp is about

I have 1 T8 39w bulb on for 8 hours a day

Anubias is growing awesomely as well as the onion plants [even though my loach ate the bulb off of one of them so i feel its days are numbered!]

other than that it seems to be the amazon sword species that Im having trouble with, anything that has long stems or broad leaves will just fall apart from the middle outwards

i also bought some windelov on wood but all teh leaves turned black and fell off, the didnt rot just fell off...

I cant get a tank pic right now as the lights are off, but if its needed Ill try!

If ive forgotten anything let me know

 

[drobbyb]

Are the leaves on the dying plants turning yellow? Are you dosing any ferts?

 

[MewMew42]

no theyre not yellow, they are falling apart from the middle, I have ferts yes, once a week [ish..] but ive never needed em before, i bought the ferts for my other tank

 

[Mikaila31]

I guess it will work, but I personally won't buy those hoods anymore(the fancy ones). Its simple home store spiral compacts for me. I've got my current satalight and a AHS retrofit. Then things I made. I guess if DIY isn't for you then buy whatever you want. I've just had enough of those lights. I'll keep my AHS for my show tank, but other than that I'm waiting for the other one to die. They seem fancy, but in my eyes they are very limited expensive fixtures. I'm happy with my no starter, no ballast, $3.25 bulb fixtures.

As far as reflectors I won't run lights with out them. I would link stuff but I'm pretty sure I'm not suppose to link to similar forums. All I will say is that they do make a difference. You don't need anything fancy, hot glue some tinfoil at least.

Lights may not be the issue here. A planted tank needs balance, increase in light means you may need to increase nutrients, both ferts and CO2. I'm not exactly sure what wpg you are planning on running.