Suitable Lighting ?

[alan3513]

In the process of setting up a 24 x 12 x 13, 60 litre tank, and want to transfer some of the plants from my other tanks that are doing well (without co2), i.e. Java Moss, Java Fern, Amazon Swords, Vallisneria Asiatica and Elodea Densa. The tank hood has a single 18 inch tube which is a Sylvania Gro-lux, F15w/Gro-T8. Would this be suitable to keep the plants healthy and if not could anyone suggest an alternative tube, Thanks in advance for any advice, Alan

 

[mdwheeler]

I'm sure the light will do fine since it's a plant growth bulb but since it's a T8 i'd DEFINITELY recommend an upgrade. T8's aren't very bright.


But then again if you upgrade you'll need co2 as well.

My recommendation for lighting (if you decide to get co2) would be a Current USA 24in Freshwater 48 watt T5 light. With shipping it would cost about 70 dollars. It comes with two 24 watt tubes:

http/www.aquabuys.com/page/aqb/PROD/nov_2x_24_fw

 

[three-fingers]

The species youve mentioned arent very light-demanding and your not adding CO2, so that single T8 tube should be perfectly fine .

Doesn't need to be a plant growth one though, I'm very sceptical about how useful they actually are.

Don't bother paying for them unless you actually like the colour. If you want more light without adding CO2, DIY another 15W T8 into the hood. If you use two different K rating of bulbs I find this produces the best colour rendition to my eyes.

Adding another tube wouldn't be that hard if you want to, just drill a couple of small holes for the cables, and a couple for the clips that go onto the tube .

 

[alan3513]

Thanks guys