Lighting a 20"x19"x10" planted tank.

Discussion in 'The Planted Tank' started by Guest, Nov 26, 2003.

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  1. Guest

    Guest Guest

    I have a 20"x19"x10" tall tank with an Eclipse 1 system. The ligthing includes 2 x 15W bulbs. I am afraid that would not be enough for a lushly planted aquascape. Any recommendations to bring the light output to standards?
    Thanks.
    PS: Tank has a plenum, with a dual layer of eco-complete substrate + tahitian moon sand on top. Also include a CO2 Natural Plant System
     
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  3. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    30watts should be enough light for the normal plant life in a FW aquarium.
    I only have a 40 watt on my 72 gallon bow front and I have to trim every week.
    I truly believe that the sand you add to your tank is just as important and enough light.
    If you ever see a bag called Texas sand use that as it is cheap and works great.
     
  4. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

    Joined:
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    Berkeley, CA
    Just like reefs, lighting really depends on what the heck you put in there.

    I have a Eclipse 6 (6 gallon) with 18 watts of PC lamps in it. Check it out in the freshwater X section.

    The reedy Lilaeopsis brasiliensis plant that I started with was a mistake. The LFS and I didn't know anything about it and it died off over a month. I hunted down info and sure enough it has strong light requirements. Ignorance is no excuse, I screwed up, know your plants.

    The najas and the other stuff I have in there are doing great though with the 3 watts per gallon I have.
     
  5. cmontana

    cmontana Plankton

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    Santa Ana, CA,California
    Hi guys,
    Thanks for all the info :)

    I agree that one should know each plant requirements. I guess I'll stick with low to medium light elements.
    I'll post photos once the tank is fully setup, and will keep you updated.

    Here is the rule of thumb I have found about light levels:

    1.5 - 2W/gal: low light
    2 - 3W/gal: medium light
    3 or more W/gal: bright light

    By the way, Matt, thanks for this superb Web site! And yes, I did read all about FreshwaterX. As a matter of fact, that was my inspiration to start my own tank :D
     
  6. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    [quote author=cmontana link=board=Freshwater;num=1069888065;start=0#3 date=11/27/03 at 12:25:46]By the way, Matt, thanks for this superb Web site! And yes, I did read all about FreshwaterX. As a matter of fact, that was my inspiration to start my own tank  :D[/quote]

    Thanks. That's cool! 8) [smiley=thumbs_up.gif]

    Keep us posted. Thanks for joining!

    [flash=468,60]http://www.3reef.com/fish/sitepics/threesteps3.swf[/flash]
     
  7. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    What are these plants Matt?
    They grow like weeds and I use no CO2.
    40 watts of light in a 72 oceanic bow.

    The Angel fish here has 8.5 inch trailers and he is my pride and joy. Still looking for the right mate for him.
     

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  9. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Nice tank!

    My first guess on the plants would be some kind of Micranthemum.
     
  10. Land_Fish

    Land_Fish Guest

    [glow=blue, 2, 300]Some times the new leafs will have a reddish tint to them if that helps.[/glow]
     
  11. Covey

    Covey Scooter Blennie

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    Re: Lighting a 20"x19"x10" planted

    Those are hygrophilia. If the come in real there sunset hygro. I have both.
     

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  12. Covey

    Covey Scooter Blennie

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    Re: Lighting a 20"x19"x10" planted

    Those are hygrophilia. If the come in real red they are sunset hygro. I have both.