Lighting question

[ashleynicole]

I am looking at starting low light plants once I get my 29 gallon up and running. I currently have two normal flourescent strip lights that are 15w aqua glo. They are supposed to be full spectrum and they are both 24" lights that go to my 55 gallon. I was going to use one or both of these as temporary lighting until I buy a lighting fixture specifically for this tank. We found the 29 gallon on the side of the road. I ordered a glass hood, so I should be able to sit one or both of these on top for now. I know compact fluorescent is expensive, but I like the way the mounted fixtures look.

Here are some links to a few of the types of fixtures I am looking into. Please give me any input or suggestions!
THanks
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+16770&pcatid=16770

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+21598&pcatid=21598

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+22442&pcatid=22442

 

[ashleynicole]

Some of the one's are LED's and I was wondering what some of the thoughts are on LED lighting. Are they suitable for planted tanks? I know they are great on electric bills...

 

[Coursair]

Some of the one's are LED's and I was wondering what some of the thoughts are on LED lighting. Are they suitable for planted tanks? I know they are great on electric bills...

LEDs are still new as far plants go. I'm trying out a new LED fixture on my 10g. But what works on a 10g may not work on a larger tank.

Mine is the Archaea 45cm LED.
I will be testing my LED with our club's PAR meter. Then I'll know more. My plants are growing fine for now. Mostly Crypts with a few easy stems.



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[aqua_chem]

The Nova Extreme SLR T5 (not compact fluorescent btw) will be a LOT of light going into your aquarium. For a low tech aquarium, it will be simply too much. That kind of fixture needs CO2 and ferts to avoid an algae farm.

 

[ashleynicole]

Yeah I definitely don't want too much light, I don't want to get into the CO2 systems and all that. I enjoyed my low light plants the last time i did a planted tank. I am going to keep shopping around, and use my current 24" light even though it looks kind of silly. Good news is I got my tank on a stand, filled with water, sand substrate and filter going and started my fishless cycle.