thinking of plants aswel

[technium]

Hi

New to this area of the forum but thought I would ask for help.

I have a 96" x 24" x 24" tank (currently cycling) which will have a sand substrate. Im thinking of getting some plants in it is for a change as never really tried plants.

What kind of lighting would I need to have plants, I would like small ones at the front so they would be approx 28" from light source but I want taller ones at back so would be closer to light source. Any info or helpful advice appreciated.

Would I need to add chemicals to the water at all for them? Im not really planning on adding co2 bottle thingy to tank unless have to although I have got on in the attic I could use if needed.

If you need any more info just ask and I will post.

Thanks

Colin

 

[maestro]

You'll either need metal halides or T5 lights with that depth of tank and there not cheap, £200 2nd hand for halides.

You might get away with regular tubes if you stick to low light plants, but ull still need about 4 bulbs,

 

[technium]

I have those normal light sets, the ones that are connected to a transformer and you just put the tubes in, I think they are T8?? Size

Can I just use them but put in different bulbs/ tubes? If so what tubes am I looking for, at the moment I have 4 large Moon Glow Tubes but I dont mind buying difference florecents (sp).

thanks again for helping

 

[maestro]

You could do that for sure, change the tubes for plants tubes, but they wont be very powerfull and wont reach the bottom very well so ullbe very limited in the plants that will grow.

On the plus side because lighting is low you wont need a co2 bottle or alot of to dose alot of nutrients

 

[technium]

thanks mate, great help

will come back at later date once setup for list of plants and stuff.

thanks again

Colin

 

[enchanted]

You could also go with Power Compact Flourescent, which normally runs less than Metal Halide.

 

[Gunnie]

I know with your tank being high, you will be very limited on what you will be able to put in your tank. Check out these links before you buy expensive lighting. You may be able to get by with some easy low light plants with the lighting you already have.

Setting up your first planted tank

Plant Guide

When you go to the plantguide, click on lighting requirements and start with the low light plants.

 

[technium]

Thanks for the links, will definately be checking them out.

Thanks again everyone

Colin

 

[Pescado Guy]

Yeah I would just get the good stuff right away so you dont have to upgrade later. Metal Halides will be the best for a tank that deep.

 

[technium]

ok posted this in the hardware section too but you guys might be better to ask.

Im trying to sort out the lighting for my tank but I want to have plants in aswell, not sure which just know I want plants aswell for now, will sort out types later.

I have been told about T5's CFS's and Metal Halides. I have a chance of getting some metal halide light fixtures and bulbs really cheap as my dads works are getting rid of theirs. Soooooo Should I go for the MH's?? If so what bulbs will I need, ie what number of Kelvins? 10000K??

Any info appreciated as I need to let them know tomorrow.

Thanks

T

 

[Discomafia]

6500 K or 6700 K is the best I should think...

 

[enchanted]

Edit. I was confused.

 

[technium]

6500 - 6700K what would happen if I have 10000K what would the effects be?


Thanks for your replies so far.


T

 

[Discomafia]

6500K is the best spectrum for plant growth. Full spectrum light I think it's called???. Higher or lower will only mean that your plants will still grow, just not as good. The bulbs that are 6500K can be easily found at most hardware stores and the like... But I'm no expert and you'd be better off waiting for more people to respond in this thread....

 

[George Farmer]

I'd say 10000K would penetrate to a greater depth but the bulb would need to be a high intensity as well to acheive a decent growth. Also 10000K I beleive is more likely to give algae a chance unless you plant densely with fast growers.

Lateral Line and Konrad05 are the best guys to ask.