Question: Which light is better?

tototime · May 31st, 2009

Hello, I have a twenty gallon planted tank, and I was wondering which light was better for my plants.

They require a moderate light setting.

Here are the links of the three I was looking at:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...7&pcatid=13637

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...71&pcatid=9871

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=13612

My tank is 24" long.

Thanks for your time.

dvc_r · May 31st, 2009

The first one has two 65 watt bulbs=130 watts--divided by a 20 gal tank= 6.5 watts/gal

The second has 65 watts-divided by 20 gals= 3.25 WPG

The third has two 15 watts=30 watts/20 gal= 1.5 wpg

It depends on what kind of plants (and fish) you want. For example Java ferns like low light but other plants may like med-high light. I have about 3.5 wpg in two of my tanks (most plants will grow). But I have to have either a large leaf or floating plants on top of the tank for any java ferns to grow well.

Also keep in mind how much the lights cost to replace. Last week I replaced two 65 watt 50/50 straight pin bulbs with two 6700 k for better plant growth. But I'm not sure if I like the "looks" of it. It's a softer, warmer and has more of a green hue, to it.
Don't forget CO2 and/or fertilizer.

So, in general, the second one may be the best "overall" choice.

Nate McFin · May 31st, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvc_r

The first one has two 65 watt bulbs=130 watts--divided by a 20 gal tank= 6.5 watts/gal

The second has 65 watts-divided by 20 gals= 3.25 wpg

The third has two 15 watts=30 watts/20 gal= 1.5 wpg

It depends on what kind of plants (and fish) you want. For example Java ferns like low light but other plants may like med-high light. I have about 3.5 wpg in two of my tanks (most plants will grow). But I have to have either a large leaf or floating plants on top of the tank for any java ferns to grow well.

Also keep in mind how much the lights cost to replace. Last week I replaced two 65 watt 50/50 straight pin bulbs with two 6700 k for better plant growth. But I'm not sure if I like the "looks" of it. It's a softer, warmer and has more of a green hue, to it.
Don't forget CO2 and/or fertilizer.

So, in general, the second one may be the best "overall" choice.

Here is an alternative to the 6700 K that get very nice reviews over at plantedtank.net as well APC. I am ordering one of these and one 6700 K to use as a combo in my Coralife set up. Do a search for 9325 over at plantedtank.net and read some reviews. Best of all....17.95!
http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/eca...=F55BX.AR.FSGE

dvc_r · May 31st, 2009

Where were you last week! I hope you don't mind, but there is another similar post. I'm gonna cut and paste your comment for his review.
Thanks

Nate McFin · May 31st, 2009

No problem! These lights are really supposed to bring out the colors. I will see if I can post some photos of before and afters I found.
Last week I was reading about Coppersafe not lamps. LOL
PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT MY TANK= LINK AT END OF POST TO THREAD!

This is 2x 6700/10,000K with 2x 9325K lamps:

This is 4x 6700/10,000K lamps:

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/li...amp-9325k.html

tototime · May 31st, 2009

Okay with that second one it appears as if you can not fit a hood on the aquarium. Is that okay?

dvc_r · June 1st, 2009

You're right about the hood, the mounting brackets are "bolted" to the sides of the tank with the second choice. If you have (or intend to have) fish that can jump out of the tank-forget it! The other pitfall of having no glass top is that the water tends to evaporate faster. If that's an issue, check out the Single Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixture. That also has a 65 watts bulb and comes with one lunar light. The mounting brackets just cradle the top of the tank so you can put a glass top on.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...8&pcatid=11418

Nate McFin · June 1st, 2009

If I am not mistaken it is recommended to use a glass or acrylic hood with all Coralife fixtures. So that if a bulb breaks it doesnt do so into the water, I assume.
I agree that the single would be the way to go with a 20G. In fact CO2 might be needed with that wattage.

tototime · June 1st, 2009

Okay would this hood work with that light?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...tid=3790&rel=1

My tank is 24 inches long.

Also for CO2 is it possible to create one DIY style?

dvc_r · June 1st, 2009

Yes (and no)... There are two sizes depending on the manufacturer of the tank. I bought the wrong one a few months back. It was about 1/4 inch too wide. I tried to cut it with a glass cutter but it was too thick and not enough "lip" so after I scored it, it wouldn't break evenly. It crumbled up in hundreds of pieces and when I put in on the tank I cut myself on the edges. So I went out and bought the correct one. I was ****ed (can I say that on here?) I couldn't return the other one because I ruined it.

dvc_r · June 1st, 2009

Quote:

for CO2 is it possible to create one DIY style

PS: you can do it yourself but IMO, Excel is sooo much easier (and cleaner). For a 20 gal tank all you need to do is put a half a cap full every other day and you won't believe the results! Not as good as CO2, but darn close.

Nate McFin · June 1st, 2009

The dimensions are
w/brace 23-1/8" x 9-1/2"
As long as it would sit inside the rim of the tank it would work fine.
I dont know if the Single light has a fan built in or not but I wonder if cooling would be an issue. I know the double has built in fans.
DIY Co2 would be ok in a 20G but not as effective as pressurized systems.
Do keep in mind though that with that amount of light you will be able to grow most plants but finding balance between Co2 and Ferts ( which will be 100% needed at this Wattage) can be tricky to keep algae away.
It will be more work than you have now. Not to scare you away because you could have one great set up when you get it set right!

Nate McFin · June 1st, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvc_r

PS: you can do it yourself but IMO, Excel is sooo much easier (and cleaner). For a 20 gal tank all you need to do is put a half a cap full every other day and you won't believe the results! Not as good as CO2, but darn close.

I used to use Flourish Excel and opted out after some research. It is a formaldahyde based product know to cause cancer (at least in California

I just couldn't bring myself to put formaldahyde into a tank with my fish.
It did work well though.
EDIT SORRY FOR THE DOUBLE POST!

tototime · June 1st, 2009

Okay I have a Top Fin Aquarium. Would that glass top and single compact work?

dvc_r · June 1st, 2009

I knew you were gonna ask me that... One's a Versa Top the other is Perfecto. I don't remember which is which! I'm thinking Top Fin is Perfecto... Someone else know

Quote:

know to cause cancer

Nate your telling a person that owns a pest control company about "cancer causing". Is that Ironic or an oxymoron!! LOL!!!

tototime · June 1st, 2009

I'm sorry that's the only thing I have top fin

dvc_r · June 1st, 2009

tototime: I just finished looking up the two brands. You need Perfecto for a Top Fin tank. If you get the other one you may have the same problem I had.

Nate McFin · June 1st, 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvc_r

Nate your telling a person that owns a pest control company about "cancer causing". Is that Ironic or an oxymoron!! LOL!!!

LMAO! Fair enough!

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