Im Ready to Get a Light

[ddavila06]

hey Guys, i think im ready to get a real light for my parent's tank. the 75 is been running with a twin tube t8 with no issues so far and a ton of growth but in a very slow pace (i'ts been like 6 months since i set it up) plus i want to add some higher requirement plants

right now im in between these two:
48 inch 2 x 54 Watt http://www.lnt.com/product/aquarium/482 ... 1126-.html

and this one: 48 INCH SOLAR T5 HO AQUARIUM LIGHT FIXTURE - 3x54 - With Splashguard http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product ... ts_id=1638

more inclined towards the solar T5 though. what do you think? and feedback on the sites? thanks!!

[jcali10]

Definitely the 3 x 54 over the 2 x 54 if you want to add higher light plants. Why not the Solar 4 x 54?

2 x 54 / 75 = 1.44 wpg
3 x 54 / 75 = 2.16 wpg
4 x 54 / 75 = 2.88 wpg

I didn't know Linens & Things sells aquarium supplies. I have 2 older model Nova Extremes,
with wire legs that pull out from the sides, on my 50. It sits really low on the tank,
it doesn't have individual reflectors, but did come with an acrylic splash guard which I like.
I purchased a 4 x 48 from Catalina, it comes with legs, similar to the ones on the 2.5 nano light fixture,
and no splash guard. The lights are nicely spaced with individual reflectors, they also say it
has an upgraded electronic ballast. It comes with a perferated top section that allows heat to vent out.
Catalina Aquarium is also a sponsor of GWAPA

[PaulS]

Damien,
I have the Nova Extreme 2 x 54 fixture on my 90 gal. It seems like a decent enough fixture for the price. My only complaint about it is that the fan is rather loud.
Paul

[ddavila06]

thank you guys, im going to order the solar T5 one of these days, i e-mailed them and they let me have it for $120 (im buying one possibly for my wife's sis also) so i think thats a fair price for the quality of the lights.

i thought about the 4 bulb one, but is just too much..the price difference is not that much anyways

i might concider getting the 6 feet one for my own tank later too if it ends up being really good quality

[ingg]

The 4x54 Solar is what is over my 75g. It is about $10 difference.... spend it. Much better to have the extra bulb and not need it than to need it and not have it...

[ddavila06]

[quote="inggit. Much better to have the extra bulb and not need it than to need it and not have it...[/quote]

hahha, i'll keep that in mind, thanks Dave. BTW, anyone interested in ordering anything from them? i might call even tonight or tomorrow

and almost forgot, what bulbs would you recommend? 2->65k and 2->10k ? (if i go with the 4 lights, otherwise 1->10k)

[ddavila06]

well, i already ordered today, i kept it triple bulb just because can't wait until they arrive probably early next week

[ddavila06]

ok, i asked this in APC and didn't really get much of an answer, unless there is nothing else to say :howdy, i have a 75 fairly planted with mostly low light and slow growing plants thats doing great! i use eco complete top layer and flora max bottom layer. no ferts whatsoever:P quite a few fish too. my current light is an AGA flourescent twin tube light (the regular T8s). i want to do some other plants, try some carpet or dwarf grasses and a few things here and there that do require more light. I just ordered a triple tube solar t5 from catalina aquarium. 3 54 watt or something. thats going to put me at a much higher level as far as the W per G rule goes, but my questions is: will i get a lot of algea by doing this? like i said, i want to keep it no ferts no CO2. thanks


the answer was more light more supplements, is that really all there is to say?

[Cristy Keister]

I don't know whether you will or will not get away with no supplements, since everyone finds a way to do things differently. But if you want to try it with no ferts, you can experiment with the number of light hours. Start at maybe 9 hours/day, see how the plants do and adjust from there.

[ddavila06]

Great point, i defenitly do not want to do ferts because otherwise then the ferts are going to lead to pickier plants and so forth (can that happen?) anyhow, any other comments are very welcome!