First Planted Tank 36x24x12

[TFAST550]

36L x 24W x12D - I assume this is not the ideal planted tank size since it is so deep. (Am I wrong?)

That being said what lights would you go with? I would like to have a low tech planted tank do not want to mess with co2 if all possible. I have tried to understand PAR but I am frustrated and confused. I would like some suggestions.

Should I use LED or T5HO lights?

I am using this tank because its one I already have and at this time do not want to purchase a new one. I have always used plastic or fake plants and painted rock substrate. (I am growing out of this and looking for more realistic setup with plants and drift wood - going with eco-complete substrate)

I really want a planted tank to get to that next level and someday when money is more abundant move on to salt water reefs

 

[TankinWithUs]

Woohoo! Can't wait to see it! I am new to it, too. Hopefully one of the legends will stop by to help. I'm too new to offer any advice, but if it makes you feel any better, I don't get PAR either

 

[TFAST550]

Woohoo! Can't wait to see it! I am new to it, too. Hopefully one of the legends will stop by to help. I'm too new to offer any advice, but if it makes you feel any better, I don't get PAR either

Thanks I am excited! I am going to pull off the blue vinyl currently applied and paint the back of the tank black tomorrow. I find black substrate and black background really makes the plants and fish pop.. looks more natural too in my opinion.

P.S. nice Blog I might have to make one too

 

[TFAST550]

Anyone know if either the Finnex Ray2 or the Planted+ 36"models will be sufficient?
For medium-low PAR?


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[Mattfinn]

Not the best with lights. I'm following btw. Pm brookster, freshH2O or skelly they're some of the pros around here

 

[TFAST550]

OK I will see if I can reach out to them thanks!

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[Brookster123]

Budget??

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[TFAST550]

A light that will get me by I don't need the best in its class just a decent one to do the job

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[Brookster123]

You'll need a decent rig for a 2' tall tank.. the current satelliteplus pro would be my vote..

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[TFAST550]

You'll need a decent rig for a 2' tall tank.. the current satelliteplus pro would be my vote..

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Thanks! Any idea what par level I'd be getting?

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[Brookster123]

See for yourself! Its dimmable too

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[TFAST550]

Call me a newb but does this mean 37 or 15 lol sorry not familiar with these charts

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[Brookster123]

It's 44 centered and the other values are highlighted by inches off center as noted below.

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[TFAST550]

It's 44 centered and the other values are highlighted by inches off center as noted below.

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Thank you for the help and clarification! I am going to make this purchase tonight

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[pittbully13]

Good choice. I have 2 finnex planted +s and I wish I had a dimmable fixture or timer. It's just turns off and on.....but it works too.

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[TFAST550]

one more question to throw at you guys - do i purchase the (24"-36") or the (36"-48")

since my tank is 36" i would assume both would work but the 36-48 might be better for long run and brighter?

that being said the (24"-36") is also 70+ cheaper!

Opinions?

Edit:

Going with the 36-48(going all out lol)

 

[pittbully13]

With all the cool stuff I hear from it, you won't regret it.

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[TFAST550]

Light is awesome! Plastic plants till I can get some live ones but I think the tank looks great with that bright light!

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[TFAST550]

Here is one more.. Can't wait to plant it!

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