Just tell me what fixture to buy.

[BfishLpond78]

Ok...probably been done before. I want someone to tell me what fixture to buy for a 55 gallon low-med plant build. Which brand, what bulbs to use, wattage. Not using CO2, just starting out, will use ferts if needed. Looking for light that will keep my tank well lit, a fixture that wont burn down my house, sturdy, something middle of the road will do T5's seem right. Im open to anything, links to specific lights appreciayed!!!! Thank you!!!!

 

[jetajockey]

whats your budget?

 

[BfishLpond78]

Good question....max....ehhh $200

 

[jetajockey]

Cool. Since you aren't planning to use co2 I would get the planted cataline 3x54 fixture. You will likely only run 1-2 bulbs at any time, but the third is nice to have in case you decide to go with co2 later down the road, plus its on sale.

Since it has 2 switches you can adjust the lighting as needed.

T5 PLANT GROW HOOD

All in all a good quality fixture with nice individual reflectors, with plenty of room to go high tech later if you decide to.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Next question. It comes with 3 bulbs...which do i get?

 

[jetajockey]

Some people like mixing up 10000k and 6700k, I suggest having at least one 6700k even if you prefer the whiter light of the 10000k.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Ok...i hate to ask...and for the third light? Lol.

 

[Crepe]

I use a 6700K and 6500K bulb. Some people use 1000K and the red plant grow bulb. Others use 6700K and 10000K. I would imagine 10000K, a red bulb and a 6500K bulb would give you the best of all worlds: letting you pick your lighting levels and the appearance of the lighting in your tank.

 

[Deep Seven]

Some people use actinic (black light) just for the colours. I think you want to keep it off, or have a non-plant bulb in the third until you want to upgrade. If you want high intensity plants and CO2 then you can add another plant bulb.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Ok so according to catalina...a 6500k, 10000k and plant grow bulb is a good rojte to take? What combination would yoh go with cause it can have one bulb on, two bulbs on or all 3. Which bulbs would you pair together?

 

[mfdrookie516]

I think that's a good plan. I like 10,000k's and 6500k's mixed. The plant grow will be a bit pink, but if you save it for when you decide to go high tech, the 10,000k and 6500k will hide the pink.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Ok so one of each...using the 10000k and 6500k together and having the plant grow one for down the road when i am more experienced and go high tech...correct. sorry if i am repeating what you just said...i want to double check before i spend a bunch of money...

 

[mfdrookie516]

yep, thats exactly what I meant

 

[BfishLpond78]

Awesome, does this seem like a good purchase? Have you heard anything about these lights?

 

[mfdrookie516]

Jetajockey seems to recommend them a lot. That, in itself, says a lot. Other than that, I have no experience with them. I run fishneedit.com fixtures... along with a couple Current Nova Extremes.

 

[BfishLpond78]

My original plan was a fishneedit fixture but they said they would be sold out for awhile. Hopefully they are still on sale tomorrow so i can get one.

 

[jetajockey]

I wouldn't get a grow bulb unless you just happen to like that pinkish look. The 6500-10000k lights grow plants just fine.

I'm not really partial to this brand of fixtures in particular but they are definitely high quality and it seems like FNI has been out of stock for a while. They are both comparable in quality from what I've seen, FNI is a little bit cheaper though I think. Unfortunately the big brand high quality fixtures tend to be really expensive, so these smaller companies that put these together are the way to go IMO.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Fixture is on its way!!! Pretty excited, just gotta buy a glass top for it, any recommendations for your standard 55 gallon?

 

[jetajockey]

Why are you getting a glass top? I think they have them for 55g at the big box pet stores but I am not 100%

 

[BfishLpond78]

Do i not need one? Cause if i dont that would nice.