Best Lighting For Tank?

[Tyrannosaurus]

I want to make my 80 liter 95 x 35 x 30 tank into a planted tank, but I'm a bit confused by the plethora of lighting options out there at the moment. I am looking at these lights here:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =276607921

Would they be sufficient? Are they overkill? Are there better lights I should be looking at?

I really know nothing about lighting or anything like that, so any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

[SamH]

Here's a series of questions you can answer to help us help you

What would you like to grow?

How much are you willing to spend?

How important is (are?) aesthetics to you?

Are you any good at DIY?

In regards to that lighthood, it's overpriced and outdated. T8 units are no longer top of the range. Yes they work fine but there are much more efficient lighting methods for only a slightly higher price (Hagen T5HO). When I got my T8's done, I first bought that hood, sold it then got some DIY T8 ballasts and sockets. Only $45 total as opposed to $135 without box for the 30-D unit.

HTH

[Tyrannosaurus]

Thanks for the reply Sam

To answer your first question, my response is only 'I don't know, plants?' Maybe I should research plants a bit better before I buy lights.

I'm willing to spend maybe 150 or so, I'm just a beginner and don't really want to drop a whole lot of cash on something (unless it is entirely necessary and worth it.)

Aesthetics are somewhat secondary to me.

I'm not great at DIY, but I know a guy

Ideally I'm looking for an 'out of the box' set up, but if there is a better way to do it with not too much technical know how involved, I'd do that.

I think I saw one of your set ups Sam, that just had three lamps over the tank. Would something like that work in this instance?

[SamH]

I think I saw one of your set ups Sam, that just had three lamps over the tank. Would something like that work in this instance?

Those are clip on desk lamps from Bunnings, about $15.00 per lamp and bulb. One worked well on my nano tank, yet to see proven results from the larger tank but in theory it should work.

In regards to the out-of-the-box stuff, try looking at T5HO units on TradeMe, they're slightly over $150 though

[Caryl]

I have lots of plants and I only ever use the plain 'daylight' or 'bright white' fluorescents. My little tanks have eco bulbs.

[Jennifer]

I want to make my 80 liter 95 x 35 x 30 tank into a planted tank, but I'm a bit confused by the plethora of lighting options out there at the moment. I am looking at these lights here:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing ... =276607921

Those lights at that link are absolutely brilliant. I recently upgraded to those on two of my tanks and the plants have absolutely flourished, especially the red ones. It comes with a 15000k Tri-Power T8 tube and an 8000k Super light T8 tube (apparently the combination Amano uses). Highly recommended, you will not regret it if you get them.

[Tyrannosaurus]

Those lights at that link are absolutely brilliant. I recently upgraded to those on two of my tanks and the plants have absolutely flourished, especially the red ones. It comes with a 15000k Tri-Power T8 tube and an 8000k Super light T8 tube (apparently the combination Amano uses). Highly recommended, you will not regret it if you get them.

Heh, now I have two conflicting statements, one that they're over priced, the other that they're brilliant

Thanks for weighing in It certainly is tempting, I might do a little more research and experimentation before I leap into lighting.

[Tyrannosaurus]

I have lots of plants and I only ever use the plain 'daylight' or 'bright white' fluorescents. My little tanks have eco bulbs.

Interesting, probably a good place to start for a beginner, I guess too. Thanks!

[Jennifer]

Heh, now I have two conflicting statements, one that they're over priced, the other that they're brilliant

Thanks for weighing in It certainly is tempting, I might do a little more research and experimentation before I leap into lighting.

Yes, there is newer technology out there but these still do an excellent job, and at a fraction of the price of the T5HOs. Yes, you may be able to create a cheaper hood yourself but if you aren't interested in faffing around (like me) then it is worth a couple extra dollars to have a ready made system. Also, if you originally thought the price was good enough to entertain the idea, then it isn't a problem, is it?

Keep in mind, there are a million different opinions out there and a lot of people who are really into various lighting strategies. My opinion is just one of them, but I can tell you, all I want is consistently good lush plant growth on several of my tanks and these lights fit the bill without breaking the bank. If I only had one tank, then I might consider the T5HOs. 8)