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i'm having i 60g planted tank setup, i've been looking for types of lighting. 40"x18x24

could get a twin starter and 2 30W 36" bulbs 6700K (life glo) plus reflectors

or twin starter with Two T5 55W blubs 21"

what do people think

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk

or twin starter with Two T5 55W blubs 21

I would check the avaiblitiy of choices and the cost of the t5 bulbs in your area first before buying the fixture that uses that type of bulb.

i can get both types easy the t5 bulbs are cheaper then the t8.

i want to know which would be better on a 40x18x24 60g planted freshwater fixed species tank.

cheers

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk

Hi,
Since you can get either, and the T-5s are actually less
expensive, to me that would be a "no brainer." I'd get
the two tube (2x55watt) system. I would put two DAYLIGHT
or SUNLIGHT (both are 6700K bulbs) in them and sit back and
relax with 1.8wpg. That is considered "Low Light" and only
Low light demand plants (crypts, Java Fern, Anubis, etc.)
would thrive in that tank. However, with T-5s you can get
canopies that house several of them and increase your wpg
to 2 or over quite easily. Or, better yet, you could use
a hood with Power Compact flourscents again in the 6700 to
8500K range and easily go above 2wpg.

Generally 2 watts per gallon is the point where you can
raise low light, medium light, and even "some" high light
plants WITHOUT using CO2 injection. Generally speaking,
after 2 wpg, you will want to provide CO2 if you are going
to drive the plants with that much light.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Have a look at the HOT5 tubes found here. I have two of those and I'm really happy with them. They don't need starters and can be connected to each other (using the daisy chain link) so that you only have to use one plug for all of them, and they come with a reflector.

cheers for replies.

this is what i'm going for.

http://www.aquatics-online.co.uk/Z497154.asp

does anybody know how these are put in hood and if you can get reflectors for them.

cheers shekoi

www.blooming-brilliant.co.uk