Choosing Lighting for Low-Tech Planted Tank

[raulfd4]

I have a 65 gallon aquarium with dimensions 36"x18"x24" (LxWxH).

Since the aquarium is so tall, I am having trouble deciding what type of lighting to choose.

I want the tank to be low-tech (Walstad-esque) in that it will be heavily planted with low to moderate light plants, with slow, steady growth. Definitely no CO2, (hopefully) no ferts, dirt substrate... you get the deal.

Right now, I am thinking this fixture will work nicely (2x 39w T5 6500 K). However, it will only put me at 1.2 WPG. Will the fact that it is T5HO help overcome this shortcoming? They make the same fixture with 4 bulbs, but on another forum they said it would be way too much light for a low-tech tank.

If anyone has experience with Walstad, NPT, El Natural, etc. type tanks - please give me some advice on lighting considerations. Keep in mind the depth of the tank. I should also mention that the tank will get a moderate to low amount of indirect sunlight.

[Cliff]

I would think you would be fine with that light. The four bulb fixture would give you higher levels of light than you want. The below link might be helpful

http://www.americanaquariumproducts...._Lighting.html

[Algenco]

I agree with Cliff, the 4 bulb would be better, I have the same tank and light you mentioned, it will not provide enough light at depth for most plants

[dbosman]

Two T5HO fixture should be fine.
You will want to keep the surface of the water clean of floaters, to get the depth for short plants.

If you're a handy sort of person, DIY LED would be the ultimate in configuration. You could use optics to specifically light individual higher light plants and leave the rest of the tank at lower levels of light.

[genocidex]

+1 to dbosman.
you can get a decent light off ebay for around 60$ for that tank

if you have a bit extra cash for upfront cost, and the skill to do so, a 5w led set up with lenses would be a great idea for the tank.