Lighting Upgrade

[jdstephe]

As my new tank is nearing the end of its cycling process, the reseacrh I have done (nearly all from these forums) leads me to believe that my current lighting set-up is not adequate for any kind of planted tank.

I have a 60 US gallon tank (dimensions 48" x 13" x 22") made by Perfecto (I think).

It comes with 2 x 17W canopies with 2x15W 18" fluorescent bulbs. I read that I need to be over the 1W/gallon limit, preferably 1.5-2. I guess I then need 90-120W of 10,000K light.

Does anyone have any advice for me on a setup that would work with this size tank?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Cory_Dad]

As my new tank is nearing the end of its cycling process, the reseacrh I have done (nearly all from these forums) leads me to believe that my current lighting set-up is not adequate for any kind of planted tank.

I have a 60 US gallon tank (dimensions 48" x 13" x 22") made by Perfecto (I think).

It comes with 2 x 17W canopies with 2x15W 18" fluorescent bulbs. I read that I need to be over the 1W/gallon limit, preferably 1.5-2. I guess I then need 90-120W of 10,000K light.

Does anyone have any advice for me on a setup that would work with this size tank?

Thanks for your help.

That sounds like my tank! I've had mine since November.

As for your question, it all depends on what your set up is and how close it is to a natural light source. If you aren't putting live plants into the tank then you'll be ok with what the tank came with.

Now mine is in the basement with no natural light source and since I put in a lot of plants I decided (2 weeks ago) to change the tubes with 18,000K Aqua Glow tubes. These impart a reddish tinge but really help the plants a lot. I can see a difference in them already.

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

 

[jdstephe]

Thanks for the reply. My tank is in the basement also, well away from natural light.

What is the wattage rating of the new bulbs you have purchased? The bigger, more powerful bulbs I have seen would take me over the 17W maximum rating of my light fixtures.

 

[Cory_Dad]

Thanks for the reply. My tank is in the basement also, well away from natural light.

What is the wattage rating of the new bulbs you have purchased? The bigger, more powerful bulbs I have seen would take me over the 17W maximum rating of my light fixtures.

The Aqua Glo's are 15 W each. I purchased them from Pet Smart and they are distributed by Hagen.

As mentioned, the lighting tends to be on the red side which brings out the colours in the fish and really helps the plants. The bulbs supplied with the tank gave a yellowish cast. I suppose it's all a trade off on what you're trying to accomplish. I'm toying with the idea of using the Aqua Glo and the original bulbs alternately. But, I probably won't....

Cheers.