Natural Aquarium Lighting System

[bglaning]

hi, i have a 24" tank and im looking for a lighting system that will be good for my plants, but is still cheaper than $100. i found this 24" Satellite 1x65W Sunpaq with One Lunar Light at Amazon for $50. what do you guys think about this one or any other light fixtures you may know about. any advice is much appreciated. thanks!
Ben

[Amazon]

It depends on what kinds of plants. For medium to high light plants T5's are the best option. They have some good prices for them on Amazon. otherwise for low light plants like anubias you can use daylight lights with probably about 3 watts per gallon. I personally just put my planted tank by a window for it to get realy sunlight.

[bglaning]

thanks. i think i read somewhere that for a 24" tank you need a 30" light fixture. is that true?

[bglaning]

what do you guys think about this light fixture?

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[rich311k]

No you want a 24" inch fixture to fit the tank. That fixture you found will do just fine for a load of plants. That will be a nice amount of light. I have several Novas I like them a lot.

[bglaning]

thanks, i think ill get it!

[Amazon]

Thats a great light!

[bglaning]

so i bought the light and it came today already and i was very excited, but now im really frustrated. the light bulbs wont work! i finally got the daylight bulb to work, but the actinic one still wont go on. it also doesnt turn back on a lot after i turn it off. does anyone know what could be the problem? my plants need the light!

[AABatteries]

You don't need the actinic bulb, sure the plants still use some of the light, but not most of it. And you could've got a 2x24w t5 fixtures for $55 here ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]).

[Amazon]

Are you sure you are inserting the bulbs correctly?

[bglaning]

i got the light fixture that you mentioned, or at least one almost identical. ya, i put the bulbs in every way possible. i called the company and they are going to ship me a replacement, so im really hopin the new one works

[bglaning]

i got the new one and it works great! i really love the new look that the pink light gives to my tank. now i just wait for those plants to grow!