Getting down to it!

[KPhilly]

I would suggest an external canister for a tank that large it's better to over filter than under so never fear going with to much filtration I have a canister on my 35 gal community tank which has an hourly rate over a 1000gal/hr the larger out lay of cash now will save you so much money in the future and so much time

Hope this helps

I checked out some of those filters and they are pretty neat! I'm probably going to get one of those when I start my next tank! But first, I need to get this one going!

 

[KPhilly]

After a long wait, it's finally here! I put the stand together and put the tank on top. It has two 25 watt fluorescent light bulbs. I'm going to change those and get better suited florescent light bulbs for live plants.

 

[Cynic]

View attachment 182677

After a long wait, it's finally here! I put the stand together and put the tank on top. It has two 25 watt fluorescent light bulbs. I'm going to change those and get better suited florescent light bulbs for live plants.

Good start.

Word of advice before you start getting fish though; go to the fish stores, make a list of the ones you like and then come back and talk to us/research.

Don't buy anything just talking to the sales person there no matter how many fish they tell you they've had or you'll most likely regret it.

 

[KPhilly]

I have a question now, actually. Are these lights good enough for plant growth from low light, to highlight?

 

[Scottyhorse]

Depends on the k rating of the bulb. I would say 50 watts is pretty low light on your tank.

 

[KPhilly]

The bulbs are roughly 30 inches long. Can I get some help finding the right florescent bulbs for my tank?

 

[Scottyhorse]

Try and find a total of 150 ish watts, in 6500k. I like daylight bulbs.

 

[KPhilly]

Do they make those in 30 inch and will that cover from low light plants, to high light plants?

 

[Scottyhorse]

If you want low light to highlight, you will need co2, ferts, and about 250-300 watts I'd say.

But idk, you need to go look for some.

 

[KPhilly]

The lights I have now, will they be okay for low to moderate light pants?

 

[Scottyhorse]

Just low light. Basic stuff. But what is the K rating of the lights?

 

[KPhilly]

I'm not entirely sure. I just know both bulbs are 25 watt T8 florescent bulbs.

 

[Scottyhorse]

Okay, yeah, you'll want low to very low light plants IMO.

 

[KPhilly]

I need to do better than that.

 

[Scottyhorse]

Like I said.........

Get T5 HO lights. 270-300 watts would get you medium-high. But you'll need pressurized co2 and ferts if you go that route.

 

[KPhilly]

Will this work!? http://bit.ly/14WPZGE

 

[Scottyhorse]

You want something more like 6500k. 10000k will work okay, but it will be stark white and look terrible IMO.

 

[KPhilly]

Will a T5 bulb fit a socket that a T8 went in?

 

[Scottyhorse]

I am pretty sure you will need an actual T5 fixture.

 

[KPhilly]

I have to go with a T8 fixture. It was a custom built tank.