Recommend Bulbs For My Tank?

[Alex.]

Hi guys

Can anyone recommend some bulbs to have in my tank? I have 4 x 30w available, 895mm bulbs.

I have crypts, java fern, moss and Vallis currently. Maybe add more in future. They have a proper substrate (Eco complete) with sand on top and I dose ferts.

I have absolutely no clue when it comes to lighting, do I have enough power available to me or should I look to upgrade in future? I know I don't have any hard plants to grow per se, but I would consider some in future.

Many thanks...

 

[zoopkamol]

new to this proper lighting question but few things everyone needs to know is
size of tank
depth of tank

 

[Alex.]

Depth 60cm, length 120cm / 4ft

Capacity is 350litre

 

[minnnt]

The lighting will be fine.

You currently have 120w of light over a ~92 US gallon tank which works out at 1.3wpg.

If the tubes are older than a year then you would probably notice a big difference just from renewing them.

Are they T5 or T8 btw?

 

[Alex.]

I think they're t8 but is there any way of telling?

One of them isnt working too so I need to figure out what's wrong...

 

[minnnt]

Try another tube in it and see if works.

T8's are thicker than T5's which are quite thin.

 

[Alex.]

Yeah I've tried another bulb, seems to be the unit, I have no idea what it could be or if there are any common faults? It flickers lightly then just goes off.

I think they're t8- I couldn't actually find any t5 which were the right W and size bulb.

 

[minnnt]

Can you get to the starter?

 

[Alex.]

I can take the unit off and have a look, where would it usually be?

 

[minnnt]

Pass. lol. Worth having a look though. If each light is individually ballasted then it could be a broken ballast.