T5 Lighting

[SDWalters]

Hi All

I am looking to invest in a T5 lighting unit for my 5ft 100gal tank and would like some advice/suggestions on:

1) What should I be looking for
2) Where should I look


I don't want to spend a fortune but then don't want to wast money buying a unit that isn't going to do the job.


Let me know what if anything you need to know about my set up.......

 

[aaronnorth]

What type of plan species are you wanting to grow?
Are you running pressurized CO2?
What is your fertilising regime?

Personally I get the models of ebay. I have got a 2 x 54w T5 (4ft) for £100, and a 2 x 28w T5 (4ft) for £50.

 

[SDWalters]

I currently have:

1 XL Crinum thaianum XL
1 XL Hygrophila corymbosa 'Siamensis'
Java moss on bog wood
Java fern on a terracotta stick


And I will be adding

Some Amazon Swords
Micro Sword
Anubia Nana or Barteri or both

And any other recommdendations are welcome. as mentioned it is a 5ft tank which I want to be heavily planted.


I do not run pressurised C02 but dose Easycarbo daily and Easylife ProFito weekly.


I have seen a 2 x 54 watt 5ft T5 for £113 on Allpondsolutions, would that be any good?

 

[BigIan]

I have seen a 2 x 54 watt 5ft T5 for £113 on Allpondsolutions, would that be any good?

I just bought the 4ft model, and i have no complaints, what so ever.
If i remember rightly i did need to ask for "plant tubes rather than the marine ones that seem to come as standard. but the customer service is great and everything is well packed.

(god that sounds like a pitch but i have been impressed with everything i`ve bought from there)

 

[SDWalters]

I have seen a 2 x 54 watt 5ft T5 for £113 on Allpondsolutions, would that be any good?

I just bought the 4ft model, and i have no complaints, what so ever.
If i remember rightly i did need to ask for "plant tubes rather than the marine ones that seem to come as standard. but the customer service is great and everything is well packed.

(god that sounds like a pitch but i have been impressed with everything i`ve bought from there)

Ah brill, I think I will go with that then, will 2x54 watt be enough for my set up (100gal) or should I go for the 4 bulb model?

P.S I have been impressed with orders from allpond in the past, they are amongst my favourite suppliers along with greenmachine!

 

[RadaR]

2x54W is plenty.
Easycarbo is going to cost a bomb on that size tank!
It's good that you are going to dose Profito, but you need to think about nitrogen and phosphorus too. Adding carbon (easycarbo) to the tank increases the plant's demand for nutrients (mainly NPK). The profito supplies the K (potassium), but you will need N+P.

 

[SDWalters]

2x54W is plenty.
Easycarbo is going to cost a bomb on that size tank!
It's good that you are going to dose Profito, but you need to think about nitrogen and phosphorus too. Adding carbon (easycarbo) to the tank increases the plant's demand for nutrients (mainly NPK). The profito supplies the K (potassium), but you will need N+P.

Well the substrate in the tank is fairly new (ADA Aqua Soil Amazonia) so would I need to add fert's or would the substrate be sufficient for the time being?

The dosage for Easy carbo says 10ml a day so I will get through a large bottle a month i guess. I haven't got any experience or knowledge about C02 systems so am a bit wary about that for the time being.

What ferts would you reccomend?

 

[RadaR]

For now, the ADA soil might be enough. ADA soil is packed with N+P so for the mean time you might be ok.
If you're fine with buying a new bottle every month then by all means continue. Pressurized CO2 would be more efficient and less costly in the long run. Here is a guide to CO2 Fire Extinguisher for aquariums.
As for ferts in a few weeks, it would be easier on your wallet if you went with dry powders. See here. They're 100% safe and easy to use.