low tech lighting question

[Desertdiscus]

I am trying to decide between a three bulb 96 watt fixture or a 110 compact flourescent fixture. It will be for a 55 gal. tank with low to medium light plants. There will not be any co2 used. Already, I have 5 plants with my low-low 40 watt bulb. I know that they can't continue on that wattage except for the annubias berteri. Just curious for feedback and possibly a good place to buy them too.

Thanks,

Jim:)

[Dissident]

With no CO2 go with the 110Watt fixture.
The 3x96W you will NEED CO2,

[tpl*co]

With no CO2 go with the 110Watt fixture.
The 3x96W you will NEED CO2,


I disagree, I have the 2x96 w aqualight on my approx 50 gallon bow without CO2 (low tech) and love it. I grow crypts and some swords as well as the anubias and riccia :). I have a lower wattage aqualight (2x65) on my 60 gallon tank and can't grow a thing :(. If I were you I'd go the higher light :).

Tina

[Dissident]

If I were you I'd go the higher light :).


Yeah grow algae ;)
5.2 W/gallon IS a little high to not have CO2.

Aquatraders.com has some good pricing on lighting systems.

[tpl*co]

OK, my mistake, I was still in 130 gallon mindset ;). But mine has 4 watts per gallon with no problem and no CO2. Grows my medium to medium low light plants great :). The trick is to have enough plants to out compete the algae yet be in balance with the fish.

Tina

[marilyn1998]

I have 1.5 wpg over my 90 with moderate plants. The entire back of the tank is full of quick growers that are about 3/4 high to the light. That is my definition of moderate.

I dont run co2. When I had just over 2 wpg this tank always had algae.

I think Diss is right. Go with the lower wattage.


OR, if you are of the mindset to go higher, go ahead, and just DONT use all the bulbs. THat way, if you ever decide to high tech or do CO2 you wont have to get a new light.

[Tiffi]

I completely agree with Marylin. Either go with the lower wattage to not breed algae in your tank without CO2, or just use one of the three 96W bulbs.

Everything over 2wpg you need to have CO2!

[Desertdiscus]

Thanks for all of the input.. I definetely do not want an algae problem. The three bulb fixture has 3 : 32 watt bulbs and sounds like a good choice for a low to moderate plants. Also, I am debating between flourite or eco-complete to put under the existing gravel. Maybe, I should skip it since the tank is already established?? I don't want any sick discus. :confused:

Thanks,

Jim

[pcsb23]

If you are not planning on stripping and re-doing the tank I would leave the substarte alone. You can supplement the substarte with root tab fertilises.