What lights must i use

Discussion in 'Planted Tanks' started by Xander, Oct 30, 2015.

  1. Xander

    Xander

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    Hi everyone i have a 340l tank i was wondering what lights i must use with it .. i am going to be using co2 aswel
     
    Xander, Oct 30, 2015
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  3. GregM

    GregM

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    hi Xander,

    I am going to take a leap of faith and assume you intend to plant this tank.

    You should aim for tubes in the 6000k range in terms of colour temp. People generally say anywhere between 4000k and 8000k is best for good photosynthesis. If you are using pressurised CO2 you can bump up the lighting. Stay away from lights In the blue spectrum.

    Get 3 ft tubes with decent reflectors if your tank is 4ft.(ish)
    I personally like T5 bulbs and have had some success with LEDs.

    there are a lot of posts on the forum regarding lighting where some very clever people have shared their wisdom. Worth a read...

    This is a very broad topic as different plants and fish thrive with different levels of lighting and ferts. you got more info for us ?
     
    Last edited: Oct 30, 2015
    GregM, Oct 30, 2015
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  4. Ryno

    Ryno Kenaal baber

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    340L tank so its a 4ft? there's a few choices depending on your budget.. t5 and leds. t5 you can get a quad 54w light unit, you can diy a light also... leds there are a few different brands, kessil, radions, zetlights and the list goes on. can also diy a led light. i prefer to buy a good quality light before i do a diy. remember with a planted high light tank your fltration, lighting co2 diffusing method and your fertelizers play a very important role to have a successful planted tank
     
    Ryno, Oct 30, 2015
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  5. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    I agree.
    Just spent a lot of money on LED for my tank (not planted)
    But I think in the long term it will be worth it.

    While I was talking to salesperson at lfs another person over heard. And he had a quiet word with me. Told me to get cheaper ones on ebay from China, and then diy them for my tank
    But tbh, I would rather have (and did) get ones that I know are suitable for an aquarium, correctly wired etc.
    And if there is a problem, I can take them back to lfs.
     
    Reedfish, Oct 30, 2015
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  6. OP
    Xander

    Xander

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    Thanks for all of the input guys
     
    Xander, Nov 3, 2015
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  7. neltf

    neltf

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    No...5ft... 1500x450x500
     
    Last edited: Nov 3, 2015
    neltf, Nov 3, 2015
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  8. Ryno

    Ryno Kenaal baber

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    hope the info helped
     
    Ryno, Nov 4, 2015
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