Question On Lighting And Aeration

stuhyde · Jul 21, 2009

Evening folks

I have a 5ft tank upgrading from my 3ft. Its going to be a non planted tank, what lighting do I need?
Do I need a dual t5 starter, or can I get away with one tube at say 40-50w?

Also with air pumps, I didnt think there was an amount "needed" for a tank. Obviously the more the better, but what should I go for in that aspect?
Ive got a tetratec ex1200 as the filter, which I know may be slightly under what is required for this size tank, but will be doing regular water changes, and keeping stock to a minimum.

Ive also just bought 2 x 200w visitherm heaters (one for each side the tank) which should be sufficient in this case.

Thanks for any advice, need to get this tank sorted now, as we got rid of a sofa for it, and its just sitting there empty...

Cheers

:shifty:

stuhyde · Jul 21, 2009

Just bought an Tetratec APS 400 air pump, so that should sort that...

So, lighting anyone?

Richard22b · Jul 22, 2009

I have a 5 foot tank and use T8 58w bulbs x 2
I currently only have the one running during the day as its bright enough.
I also have some plants and their doing fine.

stuhyde · Jul 22, 2009

As I wont be having any plants, if I use a 58w t8, surely this will promote algae bloom?

Thanks for the reply tho!

B-)

jmkgreen · Jul 22, 2009

What is the height of the tank?

stuhyde · Jul 22, 2009

jmkgreen said:
What is the height of the tank?

Hi mate, water level will sit at around 50cm ......

stuhyde · Jul 22, 2009

Anyone advise me on the starter and bulb(s) I need, wanna get the 5ft up and running this weekend with the fish in

stuhyde · Jul 22, 2009

50+ views and yet 2 replies.

Shame as it seems a VERY good forum apart from this experience.

Come on people, I know the basics well, just need a hand with my 3ft > 5ft upgrade

?

Richard22b · Jul 22, 2009

Because of the size i doubt with one bulb you'd get much algae.
To be safe nock 10 watts off. but what you dont want to happen is need 2 bulbs to get enough light to see your fish.

jmkgreen · Jul 23, 2009

So 20 inches - I guess it's a 24 inch tall aquarium? You might be best with T5 rather than T8 to ensure the bottom dwellers are sufficiently lit. Just be careful that a high wattage may encourage algae at the upper levels.

Personally I'm planning on a twin T5 54w Arcadia with bulbs from lampspecs. That's on a 48x24x24 in tank without many plants.