Just Bought A New Tank - Need Advice

[PERCY]

Could someone please advise the best bulbs to go with these lighting units
http/www.joesaquaticworld.co.uk/glo-t8-light-double-starter-units.html

im going for 2 of the 40watt double units

it is for a 5ft tank so prob need lights at abot 120cm

 

[PERCY]

Anyone?

 

[OldMan47]

If you are using a 40 watt system, buy 40 watt tubes. They need to match.

As far as color preferences, stay away from anything over a temperature of 10000K. It will be too blue for the plants to grow well. In general, any spectrum from about 3000K to 6500K or even a bit more seems to work best because it is a spectrum the plants can use. That means it comes down more to personal preferences. A tube around 3000K will be a bit yellowish like a "soft white" bulb. A tube around 5500K is like noonday sun in color. The 6500K+ tubes will tend to look a bit harsher because they are starting to get into the blue range. It is all up to you what you prefer though.

 

[gforce17]

The Tetratec ex1200 is an excellent filter and available at good prices online.

 

[PERCY]

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The Tetratec ex1200 is an excellent filter and available at good prices online.

Yeah I've ordered 2 of them. I've also ordered a hydor inline heater, but expect I'll need another??

Just lights to buy and that's all the big stuff. Costing a fortune this. Gonna be a while before I get set up at this rate

If you are using a 40 watt system, buy 40 watt tubes. They need to match.

As far as color preferences, stay away from anything over a temperature of 10000K. It will be too blue for the plants to grow well. In general, any spectrum from about 3000K to 6500K or even a bit more seems to work best because it is a spectrum the plants can use. That means it comes down more to personal preferences. A tube around 0300K will be a bit yellowish like a "soft white" bulb. A tube around 5500K is like noonday sun in color. The 6500K+ tubes will tend to look a bit harsher because they are starting to get into the blue range. It is all up to you what you prefer though.

I'll just buy 4 of any colour bulbs then

 

[PERCY]

Would I be better off buying a lighting unit for a juwel rio 400?

 

[PERCY]

I'm having real problems getting lights as most places won't deliver to northern Ireland and if they do they take the urine with the charges. Does anyone know anywhere who will deliver? I never get the time to go to any local stores due to work etc so buying online is my best option.

I could possibly get a juwel lighting unit however I'm unsure of the size. the overall dimensions of the tank is 150cm would a 150cm juwel unit fit or would I need to go a size down? I' don't want to buy it then find out its too tight to fit. Also would the light from it be sufficient?

 

[KateW]

Hi Percy

I have just bought exactly the same tank second hand, going to pick it up in the week sometime. I have just the tank and a home-made tank in need of refurb at the moment.

So I hope you don't mind if I lurk about on your thread and take advantage of the advice of all these kind people.

Would love to see some photos when you are all set up.

 

[PERCY]

Hi Percy

I have just bought exactly the same tank second hand, going to pick it up in the week sometime. I have just the tank and a home-made tank in need of refurb at the moment.

So I hope you don't mind if I lurk about on your thread and take advantage of the advice of all these kind people.

Would love to see some photos when you are all set up.

Here's a pic of the tank, although I now have a sand substrate in it and just started a cycle