Well title says it all. I was wondering, what lighting should I have for a 29 gallon planted tank? I have a full hood with and Aqueon 17 watt florescent bulb in it. I don't think that is enough though, because my plants are a little light deprived.
thanks
I've wondered the same thing. 29gs are problematic because they are tall.
It seems like there is not much more you can do to make the lighting better with that light fixture, you need a new one for more power.
That being said, I have 2 29g tanks that both use the standard hood and light that came with them, just like yours. 17 watt, 2 year old bulbs
It grows everything I need it to grow. Anubias, java fern, java moss, hornwort, crypts, vals. They all do fine and actually grow. I also have the entire surface covered in frogbit, so that's even less light reaching the bottom of the tank! However, plants like ludwigia that have med light requirements do not grow, but they do not die either. Cabomba doesn't look very good in my 29gs.
I did buy a new bulb for one of my 29gs, it's a 17watt floramax bulb. I see NO difference in plant growth, but the light does look a little pink which I do not like- I prefer my old cheap bulb!
So, if you want to grow low light plants, you will be fine. My 29gs are heavily planted and I have no problems, and like I said, the entire surface is covered in floating plants which makes the light even dimmer. If you want to grow med-high light plants, you will want a new light fixture.
