Planted tank lighting-for dummies- help?

[Dylan5359]

I'm setting up a 20 gallon heavy planted tank in the summer for dwarf puffers. I'm a real dummy on lighting, help me out? It's going to be a 2 bulb light fixture. What type of bulbs would I need to qualify me As "high lighting"? I want to be able to grow dwarf hair grass. And some other plants. Thanks.

 

[jetajockey]

what kind of light fixture is it? fluorescent? screw in bulbs? you don't *have* to have high lighting to keep dhg, but like other plants, it grows faster with it.

 

[Dylan5359]

Fluorescent. I want strong lighting though, so I can keep many different plants.

 

[jetajockey]

I'd go with a 2x24w t5ho fixture if its a 20H tank if you plan to run co2. If not, go with a single 24w t5ho.

 

[Dylan5359]

Could you send me a link, I don't really understand. Lol.

 

[jetajockey]

something like this
Hagen 24" GLO Dual T5 HO 2 x 24W Lighting System - AquaCave

there are several brands/prices to choose from.

 

[Dylan5359]

Not a whole fixture. Just two bulbs.

 

[jetajockey]

you have to upgrade fixtures, you can't just put in bulbs and get high light, unfortunately.

I'm not sure what exact fixture you have now, but if it's not a t5 or t5ho then you'll need to upgrade to one in order to get the light intensity that you want.

 

[Dylan5359]

I was going to buy an eclipse hood for the 20 gallon. (maybe even a 29 gallon not sure yet)

 

[Mr. Limpet]

I'm setting up a 20 gallon heavy planted tank in the summer for dwarf puffers. I'm a real dummy on lighting, help me out? It's going to be a 2 bulb light fixture. What type of bulbs would I need to qualify me As "high lighting"? I want to be able to grow dwarf hair grass. And some other plants. Thanks.

Go to www.fishneedit.com for a good price on lighting to get into high light plants which you can find here www.plantgeek.net. It'll save you some cash for the pressurized co2 system you'll want .

 

[Dylan5359]

I really wanted to stay away from c02. Mostly because I don't think I'm ready for it. :b And would I need something like a 10000 K or higher? Does the color matter?

 

[rich311k]

Wattage is more important if you stay from 4500 to 10000 I do not think it makes much of a difference at all. If you go high light you need CO2, otherwise it is just an algae fight all the time. You will also need to dose ferts.