Need help with lighting - just so confused!

**ijankrom** · 04-15-2013, 08:00 PM

Wanting a low-light planted tank. I see threads here and other websites list different plants that will work in low light environments, what is low light exactly? I see differences in watts, color temperature (ie 6700K), light output (lumens).

I have a 25G and currently a single tube fluorescent fixture that was included with the deluxe full hood fullhood.jpg, 18" 15 watts. I'm working with a low budget so these LED light systems are not going to work.

From what I've read thus far you need 1 to 2 watts per gallon (for low light conditions). So I need between 25-50 watt bulb, though I can't seem to find a 25 watt bulb that is 18" in length. Does this mean I need to find a fluorescent fixture that holds 2 tubes at 15 watts each? I have not had much luck finding a light fixture like that for aquarium use. I'm thinking maybe following this thread and making my own light fixture. http://www.aquatraders.com/48-inch-2...e-p/52123p.htm

Then there's the color temperature. 6700K has been thrown around as the suggested amount. What's the difference and how will it effect low light condition plants. Home Depot sells a fluorescent bulb for aquariums and the color temperature is 2700K. I would think 6700K would be over kill then, unless Philips has no idea what is required for light conditions for planted aquariums.

Any help would be terrific.

**Goes to 11!** · 04-15-2013, 08:46 PM

This link is in depth - but worth reading and will explain what you are looking for in lighting:
http://www.americanaquariumproducts...._lighting.html

It's not Phillips lol - 6500 approximates the color temp of noon daylight at the equator so it IS an appropriate spectrum for planted tank lighting.
The color spectrum has to do with what wavelength of light is useful to aquatic plants for photosynthesis. 2700 is not useful 6500-ish IS.

Yes you need a two bulb fixture for adequate lighting, Are the dimensions of your tank 24 1/4 x 12 1/2 x 20 3/4? If so a light like this would be effective:
http://www.aquatraders.com/24-inch-2...e-p/52121p.htm

Just a heads up that you have about half the filtration required for that tank - Typically a filter rated for twice the volume of the tank [at a minimum] is considered sufficient. :-D.

**ijankrom** · 04-15-2013, 09:14 PM

Thank you for that link to the article, when I have some time I'll take a look at it and hopefully all my questions will be answered.

Originally Posted by Goes to 11!

Just a heads up that you have about half the filtration required for that tank - Typically a filter rated for twice the volume of the tank [at a minimum] is considered sufficient. :-D.

Curious why you think I do not have adequate filtration?

**Goes to 11!** · 04-15-2013, 09:22 PM

YVW

Originally Posted by ijankrom

Curious why you think I do not have adequate filtration?

[Rereads OP] Ah! OOPS

Here's why; I have to admit I missed the sump and only saw AC20 which is the reference I was working from.

**ijankrom** · 04-15-2013, 09:50 PM

No worries. I'm sure it's not the first time someone thought I was underrated when they first looked at that. Initially I was just going to write AquaClear 20, then noticed the similarity in product title between the HOB (Power Filter) and Power head. At least you look at the signature for information, I think majority here do not.