T5 Plant Light Question

[MaxRady]

Hello everyone,

I am interested in putting plants in my 210 gallon tank, but because it is 30 inches deep, i am a little concerned that T-5s won't be enough to reach the bottom. If i were to put two 36in double strip lights across my tank, with two plant bulbs (6,700 K) in each, would that be enough? If not, what are some other options? Thanks!

Max

 

[Themuleous]

If it were me I'd want more light than that. I make it you'll have around 150w, which isn't very much even on a big tank like yours. Aim for around 350w total if you can. That should be enough to grow pretty much anything. If you want a lower light tank, anything between 200-250 would probably be enough.

What are the dimensions of the tank?

Sam

 

[MaxRady]

The tank is 72 inches long, 24 inches wide, and 30 inches deep. Now when you say watts, are you talking about hte wattage of the light, or the light fixture?

 

[Evad]

I have a 180 gal and 640 watts of light. My tank is the same dimensions as yours only its 24" high instead of 30" high.

I am not saying that you need this much light - but since I use CO2 and want a really lush tank, this is the setup I have. I don't believe you have enough light to grow anything other than low light plants at this point. I am no expert so please take my opinion lightly

Hope that helps.

 

[MaxRady]

Yeah this does help, i guess what im asking is what KIND of lights should i use? T-5, power compact, what? I am really not that well educated in the area of underwater plant growth but it is something i would like to get started with.

 

[Themuleous]

For a low light tank this would be sufficient, but you will need to change the bulbs.

http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/8x35W-T5-Lighting-ha...1713.m153.l1262

If you want high light you are going to have look at Metal Halide lighting.

Sam