capekate

I have been doing some research on what type to buy. For a few bucks more, I want to go with a lighting system that will give me at least moderate light for live plants. It is confusing trying to figure out how much wattage I need and Dr Foster & Smith site has some great articles there that I read up on.
So far this is a few things that I have come up with. If anyone has any advice to add please let me know before I put the order in.
Possible choices:
1)Nova Extreme SLR T-5 fixtures. Includes bulb 78w. I would get two 36 inch size. I believe this one includes a moon light as well.
2) CoraLife F/W aqualight Double strip. Includes: 1 ColorMax Full Spectrum and 1 6700K T-5 fluorescent bulb, built-in electric ballist. Lamps are 21w each. I would be getting two hoods at 36in.
3)All-Glass Aquarium Brand:
Deluxe Full Hood 36 inch each, includes 8000K bulb.
4) Versa-Top glass aquarium glass canopy 72x18 size.
Thats it in the list so far, Im still researching and trying to figure out the best solution for light without spending a whole lot of money on it. If all I can do is low lighted plants thats ok too.

Stradius011

Wish you luck! :] have any ideas what you're going to stock in it?

capekate

Hi Stradius
Im moving 4BR Parrots(I lost one of the babies a few days ago), 3 Large Rainbows,my Striped Raphael Catfish and one lone Cardinal tetra that are in the 55 now to the 125. Im going to use sand substrate in the new tank which Im looking forward to the new look. I would like to add other SA species, since my pH is so low (6.4) I will add many Cardinals but other than that, Im not sure what I would go with. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Im thinking also of adding a nice group of cory cats. Ive had them before and really liked them. They will love the sandy bottom. Maybe Pictus catfish as well? Tho I love the zebra and Adonis Pleco's, I dont think I want to add the the high bio load of the Parrots.Other than that, Im pretty open for suggestions.

capekate

I need to put my order in this afternoon and was wondering if anyone has a good idea on what type of hood/light that I should use on my 125 that will give me medium light for plants with a full spectrum bulb. Im wondering if there are others that have found one that they like and can recommend for me before I make this order?
Thanks so much, ~ kate

MissMTS

Hi Kate,
All the fixtures that you listed would give sufficient light for low/med light plants. I would go for whichever one you can find at the best price. If you go with the glass versa top, you can do what I have done on my tanks and add an additional light fixture later on if you want to. Are you planning on using CO2 or going with a low tech tank?

capekate

Thanks MissMTS
I noticed that buying the hood/light fixtures you still need the glass top so that water does not spill on the lights, not sure if some fixtures come enclosed or not? But anyway.. Im not going to use the CO2, it will be a low tech tank.
Thanks so much for your help in this, I want to get the order right before I go the store and start ordering everything.

ohhh on another note, just called Petsmart and they are out of the python, but said they have an aqueon (sp?) instead and that it is the exact same set up. Have you heard of any problems with this type? Or should I just go ahead and order the python from somewhere else?

MissMTS

I believe that the light fixtures do come enclosed. My coralife T-5's did anyways. With a low tech tank you don't want super high wattage on your lights anyways because otherwise you will have major algae problems. I would try to go with 1.5 to 2 WPG. Java Fern, Valisneria, Anubias, Crypts, and Swords are all good low/med light plants. I know a great source to order plants from if you need one.

I have never heard of the aqueon before. I know that Petco also carries the pythons. Do you have one near you? I love my python, but I don't know about any of the other brands.

capekate

Thats great news to hear that the coralife fixture comes enclosed.I know that on my standard hood/lights the bulbs are not enclosed with a covering.
No Petco near me at all. I may have to see if the dealer that is ordering the tank, hood etc etc can order the python as well. I would really rather go with what folks have found to work.
thanks for the suggestions on the plants. I will keep you in mind when its time for me to order them and you can let me know where...