Zdoda Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 So been looking around and thinking i need to get into planted tanks, since i always !drool: at them. Got a 1.5m tank, i have the gravel all sorted, bags of flourite and 2 bags of aquabasis plus. Will be getting Co2 system down the track, but so far trying to sort out lighting. I have come across , but being a light noob, says standard t5 HO lamps? is there any different types and consequences of it? 120CM 4* 54W T5Ho Supports 4x 54W T5 High Output lamps Supports standard T5 HO lamps is this sufficient enough? trying to find a 150cm unit seems virtually impossible and for reasonable price. My budget is MAX for lighting $400 including bulbs, so if anyone has suggestions would be great? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiplymouth Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 How about one of these http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=379642683 The seller can be found here http://www.fnzas.org.nz/fishroom/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=53312 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nymox Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 that's quite a nice unit, maybe I can sell a kidney. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kiwiplymouth Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 For two thirds of a kidney you can have one of these http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=379642681 And for half a kidney you can get this http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=379642679 I have no idea about the quality but I am considering purchasing the 8 tube unit myself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 two 150w metal halides will be the best and cheapest lighting you can get :thup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 + 1. And if you can spare a bit of extra money, you could get the ADA bulbs. From what I've heard they are amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nymox Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 Those units are just what I am looking for though kiwiplymouth thanks for linking them, I only need 1.2 meters, I might get the keep the kidney after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zdoda Posted June 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 Thanks kiwi, those are ideal @ GZ_loach - Where about's can one get 150W MH ? i went to switched on gardener and the smallest they said they have is 250W which seems rather excessive and given the Heat by it , with a closed lid tank would crack the glass on top? question for Metal halides if i was to go down that route , what bulbs are there to go for growing? i was speaking to brother in law, recommends two of these and since they go to 1.5m seems pretty decent for the price. and i can pick up reflectors decent ones from Ideal Electric. So hmm decisions lol ! ! http://www.trademe.co.nz/Pets-animals/Fish/Lights-lamps/auction-385259412.htm anyone used these before? Also what sort of bulbs are needed for a heavily planted tank specifically? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 I have one of these http://www.trademe.co.nz/Pets-animals/Fish/Lights-lamps/auction-385608067.htm but i got mine alot cheaper People tend to go with a 6.5k lamp but it tend to look pretty yellow and not very attractive, I'm currently using 10k bulbs and don't seem to have any issues - I plan to get 12/14k bulbs soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 + 1. And if you can spare a bit of extra money, you could get the ADA bulbs. From what I've heard they are amazing. how much? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 how much? Have you got a source for ADA bulbs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 http://www.trademe.co.nz/Pets-animals/Fish/Lights-lamps/auction-385259412.htm anyone used these before? Yep. 4 ballasts + 8 x 3 foot T5HO Powerglo tubes + one custom stainless steel mirror reflector (made by Cameron at PetWorld) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the-obstacle Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 That's some serious light porn right there!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supasi Posted June 23, 2011 Report Share Posted June 23, 2011 Yep. 4 ballasts + 8 x 3 foot T5HO Powerglo tubes + one custom stainless steel mirror reflector (made by Cameron at PetWorld) Is moisture a problem in that hood Jennifer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 Is moisture a problem in that hood Jennifer? Nope, not even a little bit. What is not apparent in the photo is that there are glass lids that sit on top of the tank (I had them off for this photo while I was doing maintenance in the tank). The lids are well sealed to minimise excess humidity in the lounge and and to keep the hatchets from jumping out. Also, the lights get very hot and the steel reflects the heat into the hood (T5s operate best at a temp around 30 degrees), the hood is open in the back for ventilation. If there is any moisture at all, it is well dried out each day when the lights go on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GZ_Loach Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 hope your good friends with your tube supplier :roll: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zdoda Posted June 24, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 @ Jennifer - That is seriously impressive, though i myself would only be starting off two of those units to begin with due to cost. thanks for sharing, looks like trying to debate between that system and MH... what are the pro's and con's of each ? also what plants you growing in there Jennifer?, any chance could get a full front tank pic and zoom in's, love planted tanks !drool: !drool: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickey_1975 Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 I was thinking of getting this light for my 4ft http://www.trademe.co.nz/Pets-animals/Fish/Lights-lamps/auction-385956720.htm Only $280 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Posted June 24, 2011 Report Share Posted June 24, 2011 Have you got a source for ADA bulbs? I think they're anywhere from $150-$200NZD each for 150w bulbs. There are lots of sites on the internet selling them, so just look around. Or if you join a site like Aquatic Plant Central you could ask there if anyone has some to sell. Sometimes people sell brand new or near new stuff there for bargain prices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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