Lighting

[liquidblue]

I have just set up my first planted tank (so i think i will be asking a lot of questions on this board) But my first question is: What is the best type of light to use?

At the Fish Store, when buying all the supplies i would need, the store person told me to get a certain light that looks and glows alot like a floresent. It was pretty expensive and when i got it home i read the box and it says nothing about being used for plant growing. It just says it's energy saving.

Is this ideal for plants or should I get one specifically meant for that?

It also washes out the color of my Tetras so they all just look a dull silver color
I have a couple Congo's and a Red Rainbow so far and they look terrible in that lighting..please any suggestions??

 

[nodding_dino]

welcome to the forums liquidblue!

Without knowing the specifics of the light you have bought it will be difficult to give you any detailed advice, but without doubt, your best start will be to read this article. You will also find LOT'S of other great information in the 'Plants and Planted tanks' section of the forum...you'd do well to wander over and have good nose around

 

[liquidblue]

Wow..thanks for the reply..It looks like i need to get a new light. It also looks like i'm bound to lose a couple plants because they require a diffent level of light then most of the others...sigh...live and learn.
It's frusterating being a newbie..lol

Anyway thanks again...i think this forum is going to be a very useful tool for me..

 

[Lateral Line]

>>> It's frusterating being a newbie..lol

We were all there once. Look at the pinned topics, and if in doubt ask. There are few stupid questions, (I used to say "no stupid questions..." but that was before we had the FAQ and pinned articles!).

Ask plant/planted tank specific questions in the plant forum, it has more traffic.

Planted tanks are a whole dimension to the hobby. A really worthwhile one. Welcome.