Lighting for a 55g planted tank

[vince.4395]

I want a heavily planted tank and my 55g comes with two hoods that fit 18" bulbs and all the 18" bulbs I can find are 15 watts. So combined that's only 30 watts for a 55g tank. From what I heard your supposed to have at least 2 watts per gallon. Any suggestions on what to do?? Thank you

 

[foster53]

You can go a few different ways depending on your budget. You can go with a simple T-8 twin tube light, or a twin tube T-5 NO light. Those will probably be the least expensive options. From there it goes to LED, or multiple tube HO lighting. One other option is a shoplight fixture with twin bulbs. If your tank is not a show tank, the shoplight might be the cheapest option. What ever light you choose, be sure to use it over a glass canopy.

 

[Dallascowboys16]

I had the same problem with my 55 gallon a year or two ago when I first got it. Of course I tried to see is the "max plant" t-8 bulbs would work but no, so I took off the hood and lights entirely and went on amazon and bought a dual t-5 ho fixture for $70! I can grow most of the plants I want with my fert regimen and co2 injection. But even before I started doing that I grew a lot of plants. I recommend you go this way or you will be very unhappy with all of the dying plants.

 

[Sf1]

LED of course. More energy efficient. Dimmable (some). Less heat. No bulb replacement.