Jump to content

Help! What light do I choose?


Jennifer

Recommended Posts

Hi all, I am hoping someone can give me some advice as I am completely in the dark on this one (literally). :o

I have a 65L planted tank that is slightly deeper than it is wide and the light has died this morning. The tank has a hood that holds only one bulb that is about 35cm long (not including the end bits). It was not a special light or anything, it came with the tank I got 3 years ago. I recently had an algae problem and after doing lots of searches and research on here I decided to try a DIY CO2 system and increased fertiliser dosing. It has been doing brilliantly, absolutely all the algae is gone and the plants are doing well. Truth be told, I wasn't really wanting to go too high tech since I don't really know what I am doing here! But I do want something that will continue to promote some growth while not being too expensive.

The plants I have are doing reasonably well in my tank, I prune often. Unfortunately, I bought them on appearance and didn't really know what I was getting. :roll: Aside from the ones I already know, I have done my best to identify the others online. They include:

Java fern

Crypts

Anubias (?)

Aponogeton (?)

Another that has thick red stems and purpleish serrated leaves

The tank is lightly stocked with small fish including loaches, tetras, danios and a SAE.

I would like to know what light to choose. I looked at the Hollywood website and was completely overwhelmed! :oops: Also, while I am at it, could anyone recommend another type of plant that would do well with what I have?

Thank you! :hail:

Jen

Link to comment
Share on other sites

go to an electric store and get a $5 tube (6500K - 10000K spectrum).

or you can go to a pet shop and spend around $40 -$50 on 18000K tubes that i used on my plant tanks.

a majority of the plant growers use the 6500K, 10000K tubes.

Only a few of us use 18000K tubes.

I think your anubias and java fern will be happier under the cheaper tubes.

HTH :D

Edit - just saw the other question you asked re. other plants. sag subulata (dwarf sag) should be happy with the others, if your aponogeton is doing well - try your hand at some sword plant varieties.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Oh thanks, that is GREAT advice. :D:bow: I will head off to Bunnings or something now that I know what to look for!

I don't think I have any sag...not sure if that was my posting? Would that plant go well in my tank?

Jen :wink:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...