Lighting advice

[Mumma.of.two]

I'm looking at new lights for my 70g and I'm wanting some advice on the best ones to grow plants My tank is 23 inches deep and just under 3 1/2 foot long. I'm currently looking at a light fixture of 4x 39w t5HO lights with individual reflectors. Is this too much light, not enough or just right. I don't want to have to buy any extra lights in the future so I need the right one now.

Any advice at all would be great!

 

[fishfanatic]

I'm looking at new lights for my 70g and I'm wanting some advice on the best ones to grow plants My tank is 23 inches deep and just under 3 1/2 foot long. I'm currently looking at a light fixture of 4x 39w t5HO lights with individual reflectors. Is this too much light, not enough or just right. I don't want to have to buy any extra lights in the future so I need the right one now.

Any advice at all would be great!

How dedicated are you to these plants? Do you have plans for pressurized co2 and ferts?

 

[Mumma.of.two]

I'm planning on using ferts and definitely looking into co2.

 

[fishfanatic]

I'm planning on using ferts and definitely looking into co2.

In that case the 4 bulb fixture would be a great light. I just recently bought a 4 bulb T5HO fixture for my 75 gallon tank. What light is it exactly (out of curiosity)

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Ok I've been doing a bit of reading and now I'm thinking the same fixture but one less bulb????

 

[fishfanatic]

Ok I've been doing a bit of reading and now I'm thinking the same fixture but one less bulb????

Ether one would be a great light. The 3 bulb would still give you tuns of plant options. With the 3 bulb you could grow everything but the most light demanding plants IMO.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

In that case the 4 bulb fixture would be a great light. I just recently bought a 4 bulb T5HO fixture for my 75 gallon tank. What light is it exactly (out of curiosity)

I'm in aus and we have a site called guppys aquarium products. It's from there and it's just a cheap no name one. Looks good for the price.

 

[fishfanatic]

I'm in aus and we have a site called guppys aquarium products. It's from there and it's just a cheap no name one. Looks good for the price.

The fixture I bought is also a cheap no name fixture, but it seems to work quite well. My only thought about this is that if you are going to get into a "high-tech" aquarium (ferts, co2, ex...) then you mights as well buy the 4 bulb fixture. I assume the fixture has switches to control how many lights are on at once? What is the price difference between the 3 bulb and the 4 bulb (unless price is not a problem for you). IMO if the 4 bulb fixture is not out of your price range then you should get it.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

It's got 2 switches 2 lights on each and only $25AU more than the other with free bulbs. So I think I'm sold on the 4 lights.

 

[fishfanatic]

By the way welcome to AA! If you ever need any more help please don't hesitate to ask

 

[Mumma.of.two]

By the way welcome to AA! If you ever need any more help please don't hesitate to ask

Thanks! Great forum this. Spent days on here reading!