I am considering switching out the fake plants in my 55G for live plants. My substrate is gravel and I currently have 2 Aqueon hoods that each house 1 18" T8 bulb. I was looking at getting Amazon Swords, Java Fern, and Anubias. As for lighting I was thinking of getting 2 Life-Glo 2 15-watt bulbs. Would this be sufficient? I've seen some other threads saying for a 55G you'd need 40-60 watts of lighting.
Light recommendations for 55G planted tank
- Thread starter rickf
- Start date
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clarkm
Aquarium Advice Freak
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Probably for the anubias and ferns. Might not be enough light to have healthy amazon swords
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What are the other lighting options for the hoods I have?
Dallascowboys16
Aquarium Advice Addict
you really can't get better lighting with the hood you have. For cheap solid medium lighting look at this product: http://www.amazon.com/Odyssea-Aquarium-Light-Fluorescent-Fixture/dp/B005KXCMPS It is what i started with on my 55 gallon and it is truly an awesome light for the money. Not the most quality fixture on the market but does the job. My suggestion though is to switch out the bulbs it comes with for coralife bulbs as they are much better quality. Hope this helps!
Brookster123
Aquarium Advice Addict
You could always gut the hood and pack it with 23w cfls! !
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306848
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http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306848
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Brian_Nano12g
Aquarium Advice Addict
Is there a decent budget for this upgrade in lighting? Or are you trying to do this on a tight budget?
Looking to do this on a budget
Brian_Nano12g
Aquarium Advice Addict
Okay just making sure.. didn't catch that anywhere in the initial post. Go with Brook or Dallas' suggestions.
you really can't get better lighting with the hood you have. For cheap solid medium lighting look at this product: Amazon.com : Odyssea 48" T5 HO Aquarium Light Dual Fluorescent Hood Fixture - Plant 2x54W : Pet Supplies It is what i started with on my 55 gallon and it is truly an awesome light for the money. Not the most quality fixture on the market but does the job. My suggestion though is to switch out the bulbs it comes with for coralife bulbs as they are much better quality. Hope this helps!
Looking at that it looks like it replaces by hoods or does it somehow attach to them?
