Need Help With Lighting For 55 Gal Planted Tank

[Lieggi26]

As of right now my tank is empty. I know how to setup a freshwater tank and know a lot about fish. Now I want to take the next step in this hobby. I have done some research in planted tanks for a 55 gal. I need to know if I use 2 T5HO bulbs and a glass top on my tank will work? If you have other suggestions please feel free. All info is welcome.

 

[dcutl002]

Yes, it will work. I had a 3X54Watt T5HO with CO2. I did not have a glass top though. I believe low light plants will work out great for you.


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[Lieggi26]

Thank you. I don't want to do co2. There's plenty of low to. Mid light plants I can pick from

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[dcutl002]

Thank you. I don't want to do co2. There's plenty of low to. Mid light plants I can pick from

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Yeah, you'll be fine then.

 

[Dallascowboys16]

As of right now my tank is empty. I know how to setup a freshwater tank and know a lot about fish. Now I want to take the next step in this hobby. I have done some research in planted tanks for a 55 gal. I need to know if I use 2 T5HO bulbs and a glass top on my tank will work? If you have other suggestions please feel free. All info is welcome.

A few years back I used to run a dual t5 ho fixture on my 55 gallon and it worked pretty well. You'll have some pretty good growth with a lot of plants.

 

[Lieggi26]

Ok I was really worried about the glass top. I need a top because of the fish I will be getting

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[Lieggi26]

Do u recommend a brand of build I should use

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[Lieggi26]

I might even use 3 bulbs fixture just to be on the safe side

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[dcutl002]

Do u recommend a brand of build I should use

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I buy window screen kits, fit it to the aquarium top, and insert 1/4" mesh into the frame. Works great! something like this, but you can get the supplies at Home depot. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/diy-aquarium-screen-top-kits-1-4-netting.html

 

[Lieggi26]

One more thing how high or low should the light be from the glass top?

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[dcutl002]

Give this a look:

 

[Lieggi26]

I have a filter, heater and air tube hanging off the back. Can I still use the mesh netting?

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[dcutl002]

I have a filter, heater and air tube hanging off the back. Can I still use the mesh netting?

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Yes, just do not cover the whole top.






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[dcutl002]

Here is another picture:



It has a clean look without glass.


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[fishenthusiast]

I might even use 3 bulbs fixture just to be on the safe side

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I bet 3 T5 HO bulbs would give you too much light for your low tech setup. What is your tank depth and dimensions, and what fixture are you thinking may be a possibility? Maybe we could find the PAR that you will be providing so you don't get too much or too little lighting.


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[dcutl002]

Fish enthusiast is correct. Without CO2 a 3 bulb fixture will create an algae farm. A 2 bulb fixture for a 55 gallon is ideal. Now you could look at a Finnex Planted Plus. 1 Finnex should suffice for low light plants in a 55.
http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-FugeRa...621784&sr=8-1&keywords=finnex+planted+plus+48

you could try a less expensive Beamswork fixture. I have read good things about them, but have no personal experience. (I recommend Finnex because I have one and it works great.) Here is a thread on beamswork fixtures:
http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/10-lighting/721001-beamswork-success-stories-beamswork-club.html

Beamswork/Green Element 48" fixture:
http://www.aquatraders.com/LED-Aquarium-Lighting-EVO-Freshwater-Plant-p/56547p.htm


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[Lieggi26]

I have a 55 gallon fish tank about 20 inches deep. Not sure about light fixtures. But I wanna use t5ho 4 ft length unless u have a better idea? Let me know what I should do

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[fishenthusiast]

I have a 55 gallon fish tank about 20 inches deep. Not sure about light fixtures. But I wanna use t5ho 4 ft length unless u have a better idea? Let me know what I should do

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If your fixture has a PAR from 20-40ish, you should be set for a good low tech tank. If your PAR is above 50, pressurized CO2 would be necessary for algae prevention and good plant growth. One of our old members had a beautiful 220 gallon planted tank without pressurized CO2 (glut dosing for CO2) in a high light environment, but I wouldn't even try that. She had a gift. Anyway, try to aim for the PAR that I mentioned at the beginning for an easy setup. ?


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[RUBE31]

I have a current satellite plus pro and a finnex planted plus 24/7 on different tanks. Theyre both great lights and they can be adjusted to suit your needs and cuts out the need to keep buying bulbs.

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