Are These T5 Lights Ok For My Tank

[jamesmacc]

can anyone tell me if these 120cm all pond solutions t5 lighting set is any good or is it poor quality? its for a lightly planted community tank. http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/180710080304?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649
thanks, james

 

[jamesmacc]

they also do a 4 tube model for £150. will this be any better for me or is it only needed for heavily planted tanks

 

[StandbySetting]

Most of their stuff is of average build quality, but put either of those over your planted tank and you'll need CO2 injection.

Personally I'd just buy an Arcadia controller and build my own unit.

 

[jamesmacc]

is that easy to do? would i not need co2 injection if i put smaller bulbs in like 36" or so

 

[StandbySetting]

Yes, but the initial outfit is expensive, and no you can't put smaller tubes in, the unit is designed to power tubes specific to the wattage of the ballast.

 

[jamesmacc]

sorry i ment if i buy a smaller light unit that the 4 foot one then would i not need a co2 system, like if i put a 2-3 foot unit that hives less light than the big 4 foot one. i looked on ebay and seen an arcadia twin bulb controller for around 50 quid. what would be the benifit of buidling my own system

 

[StandbySetting]

It's cheaper, if you don't want CO2 then a single or twin T8's would be much better, what's the tank volume and dimensions?

 

[jamesmacc]

its 385 litres, 50x18x26. i plan to lightly plant it

 

[StandbySetting]

If you want to lightly plant then go for twin T8's.