Jason60625
04-01-2003, 06:51 PM
I'm almost ready to set up a new tank and need to know how much light to get for it. I will be more concerned with my plants than with discus, but will probably have at least 2.
The tank will either be 36x12x20 or 48x13x20. The fixtures I can buy for the 36" tank are either 96 watts of power compact lighting, 110 watts of the same, or a triple-tube hood of regular bulbs (I assume they are only 20 watts each).
If I get the 55 gallon tank, I have to decide between a 110 and 130-watt power compact fixture, or get a triple-tube fixture of regular flurorescent bulbs.
My question: if I don't intend on supplementing my tank with CO2, how much light should I have? I'm worried about algae. Plants I usually grow are crypts, apons, java fern, anubias barteri nana, hygro, wisteria, etc--the standards.
I've had fine luck with regular fluorescents before, but have never had the kind of planted tank you see in magazines and books. Should I bother with high output lighting if I'm not willing to trouble myself with CO2?
Thanks.
The tank will either be 36x12x20 or 48x13x20. The fixtures I can buy for the 36" tank are either 96 watts of power compact lighting, 110 watts of the same, or a triple-tube hood of regular bulbs (I assume they are only 20 watts each).
If I get the 55 gallon tank, I have to decide between a 110 and 130-watt power compact fixture, or get a triple-tube fixture of regular flurorescent bulbs.
My question: if I don't intend on supplementing my tank with CO2, how much light should I have? I'm worried about algae. Plants I usually grow are crypts, apons, java fern, anubias barteri nana, hygro, wisteria, etc--the standards.
I've had fine luck with regular fluorescents before, but have never had the kind of planted tank you see in magazines and books. Should I bother with high output lighting if I'm not willing to trouble myself with CO2?
Thanks.