Tank Lighting?

[cynic]

Hi everybody, don't suppose any of you have any idea's on lighting.

I'm just finishing up building the lid for my new tank Now to the lights, I'm going to have some lighting that i can switch as i choose to light the tank taking advantage of the switching for a standard lamp that used to live where the tank's going.

I was also thinking of something on a timer that will be more beneficial to whatever plants i may use and the fish. As i have already mentioned were talking blank canvas here. Tank is 60X18X15 and i have a good 3-4 inch void (the width of the tank) within the lid for the lighting.

Any thoughts?

 

[minnnt]

Hello jason. Personally I would source a double t8 lighting unit and then use some led's from ebay as moonlighting. Its a great idea to have them on a timer, 7-8 hours a day will be sufficient for plant growth.

 

[cynic]

Forgive the ignorance but 'moonlighting'?

Will 2 4ft tubes not be a bit bright? Used to fit them in kitchens 20years ago

Or is that ok.

 

[minnnt]

In a 5ft tank? Should be decent imo. Something like 36-40w each should be fine.

Your tank is roughly 66 Gallons (US) so if you went for a double 36w setup then you would have have somewhere around 1.1 Watt Per Gallon (wpg) which is similar to what my planted tank is.

I don't think i asked you what you plan to do wit the tank?

 

[cynic]

I don't think i asked you what you plan to do wit the tank?

The options are vast, my knowledge on the other hand is very limited and stemmed from this forum and the leads i've taken from it. To that end me and wifey have settled on cory's as our first occupants they are also the main reasearch for us so far. May stick with South American options as a theme for the tank?

The cory's will set the tone for the decor, as it will be equally viewed from both sides and end on from one aspect too i'm aiming for what i think they call triangular scene's. Where the dark section is hiding the 'gubbins' at one end will be some larger stone with plants, maybe some wood. As the scene moves out to the other end of the tank i want it to tail off to just sand and some nice sized pebbles say inch or so across, naturalish.

Priority for me is to see the fish moving and darting about that is what i want as a focus, plant wise not really that excited by them at the minute so something easy to maintain is the priority there.

 

[minnnt]

So a general community setup then with a few plants to start with? Have you got a sand substrate for the Cory's?

You could have a stunning shoal of something like Harlequin Rasbora's, Rosy Tetra's, Silver Tip Tetra's or Rummy Nose Tetra's. I would say you would get away with two shoals of 20 eventually. Then look for a great centrepiece fish such as a Bolivian Ram then add some Plecs/Catfish. A nice trio of Albino or Super Red (£££) Bristlenoses would look great.

 

[cynic]

Wow, i'm going to put my progress so far in yet another here's my tank thread....

Not too bad so far pennies wise, lid's made from plywood......

 

[minnnt]

Do you have or can you fit a condensation tray to the tank? This will stop your plywood and lighting unit being affected by any moisture. Also, you could have had a suspended lighting unit or one that fits above the tank. I have one fitted in a piece of guttering.

I will see if i can persuade you to go planted tomorrow then...

 

[cynic]

I had the tank made to order, it has 2 sliding glass panels 10mm above the waterline to stop evaporation. I also had it made entirely of 10mm glass rather than a mix of 6 and 10 for the base.

I suggested having something from the ceiling to wifey and she pointed out that as a centre point of the room it really should fit with everything else. Hence the wooden top. I still have to wax and polish it yet but it certainly doesent look like something you'd board up a window with.

 

[minnnt]

Sounds great pal. Look forward to reading your journal and seeing the progression!

 

[mike455555]

same here and i'd agree 2x t8's ... iv got one in my 4f tank...but im thinking of upgrading mine as well. give my plants a boost

 

[Mikaila31]

yep exactly like the kind of fixtures you used in the kitchens. Since you already have a wooden hood built I would retrofit a light into it. I'm not sure exactly how you designed the plywood hood, got any pictures of it? For a light fixture I would go to the home improvement stores and find either a cheap ceiling fixture that has T8s or buy a T8 ballast and some endcaps.