Deep Blue Solarmax H.O. High output double T5 lighting system

Hello, I was wondering if anybody had any idea whether my lighting system was enough for my Freshwater Planted Tank. I have won the Deep Blue Solarmax H.O. High output double T5 lighting system from a raffle about a year ago. The back of it says 54W x2 (108W). It has one light that is all white and glows brightly. Also it has another light that turns on separately that is like a fluorescent/ultraviolet color. Lastly in the middle is about 8 LEDs that shine a dark blue, such as a moonlight color.
I want to know now, is this light sufficient for my 75G planted freshwater fish tank? The person at the fish store I got it from told me that the light I have is meant for marine and reef aquariums, and that the light I have is more than enough for my freshwater plants. Is he right? How should I run this light to get the best growth for my freshwater plants? Thanks a lot for the help!

 

You will need to change the bulbs but other then that it should be fine. Your light levels will also depend on the reflectors.

 

You will need to change the bulbs but other then that it should be fine. Your light levels will also depend on the reflectors.

Do the bulbs look like they need to be changed now? The tank is so bright!
Also they are T5 reflectors. They seem pretty nice and brightly reflecting the whole tank.

 

The blue bulb is the wrong colour for plants, the white might be ok but ot depends on its kelvins

 

In my experience for a successful planted tank I have always tried to find lights that are: 1. Planted tank specific. ( doesn't always have to be the $100 or more light and 2. from my hours days and weeks of research I have found that any light in the area of 6500K is your best bet for a planted tank. And it has worked very well for me. Even when I had clip on shop lights with GE 6500 dayligh bulbs on my 10 and 20 before changing them for LED 6500K planted tank lights.

 

The blue bulb is the wrong colour for plants, the white might be ok but ot depends on its kelvins

Idk how to check the Kelvin for the white light, it’s doesn’t say, the fluorescent light you mean? I turn them on both for the maximum lighting is that cool?

 

In my experience for a successful planted tank I have always tried to find lights that are: 1. Planted tank specific. ( doesn't always have to be the $100 or more light and 2. from my hours days and weeks of research I have found that any light in the area of 6500K is your best bet for a planted tank. And it has worked very well for me. Even when I had clip on shop lights with GE 6500 dayligh bulbs on my 10 and 20 before changing them for LED 6500K planted tank lights.

I’m not to sure if my lighting is at 6500K is there a way I can convert the watts to Kelvin? I don’t know where it mentions kelvin :/

 

I’m not to sure if my lighting is at 6500K is there a way I can convert the watts to Kelvin? I don’t know where it mentions kelvin :/

It should have a k number on the bulb the kalvins is basically the colour of the bulb so you can't convert it into watts.

Your white light is probably 10000k if its for reefs so its usable for a planted tank. However I would swap The blue light for a 6500k bulb.

 

It should have a k number on the bulb the kalvins is basically the colour of the bulb so you can't convert it into watts.

Your white light is probably 10000k if its for reefs so its usable for a planted tank. However I would swap The blue light for a 6500k bulb.

Thanks mr smee, that sounds like a plan! I will swap that out as soon as possible, I’m looking into getting a cheap CO2 system for my 75 gallon tank I’m not sure which one yet any suggestions?
P.s. I’m a poor college student lol

 

Thanks mr smee, that sounds like a plan! I will swap that out as soon as possible, I’m looking into getting a cheap CO2 system for my 75 gallon tank I’m not sure which one yet any suggestions?
P.s. I’m a poor college student lol

If your in a dorm Id check to make sure your allowed a pressurized co2 canister first.

 

If your in a dorm Id check to make sure your allowed a pressurized co2 canister first.

No lol I can’t even afford to pay for campus housing I live with my parents thankfully, I shall return them the favor after I graduate. God willing. Can you still give me a recommendation for a CO2 system