lighting a small tank

[metalsign]

I'm planning to set up a 40 litres planted tank to house one specie in, my question is how do I light it? You probably don't find such a small TL's. Are lightbulbs sufficient enough for the plants? or do I need something else?

[FC]

Dear (What is your name, please?),

Option1:
Yes, you can use filament bulb but use the one with lens like below pic. The lens will focus the light to the plants, thereby, reducing the need for high powered lamps. However, such incandescent lamp produce much more heat than florescence ones. So, your room temperature need to be about 20 degree celcius all year round to keep the tank water cool. Otherwise, use a fan to cool it down during light on period.


Option2:
Use a table/study lamp that comes with compact florescene lamp. The lamp should be between 20~40 watts.

Option 3:
This is proper lighting. It comes with compact florescene lamp.



Note:
I would appreciate if you could sign off (put your name) at the end of the post.[/img]

[carlfsk]

Hi Freddy, for option 1, using filament bulb, I have problems finding one that is white light (or are they also called 'daylight'). Usually what I found is yellow light (warm white). Do you have any idea where we can find a daylight filament bulb in Singapore?

My nano project is shelved just because of this reason.

[metalsign]

such a small table lamp seems best, I'll probably try this.
http://www.aquatic-nature.be/2verlichting.html is something you meen I guess?

my name is metalsign

[FC]

Hi Carl,
For incandecent/filament bulb, the colour is usually determine by the wattage. Generally, any wattage at/below 40 watts are more "warm" in colour. However, for halogen type used in the len bulb where halogen gas is use as inert gas in the bulb to prolong the filament life, the filament is/can burn at higher temperature, thereby, giving a "whiter" or less red light even at low wattage which usually starts at 20 watts. That's another reason I suggested it (for better colour rendition) if one were to go for filament bulb. Having said that, many would still find it too "warm" a colour for planted tank.

Hi metalsign,
The lamp shown in the URL that you shared is perfect/professional for nano tanks. It looks and I think it is expensive. Here in Asia, cheaper version is available, like the picture I provided in previous post, at about US$10 and still do the job well. Ok, yes, it looks cheaper too.

The 18 watts one shown in your URL can be use for low to medium light plants. However, if you are going for non-CO2, this is the right power lamp to go.

[metalsign]

Is one lamp enough or are 2 a better option (for a 40*30*30 tank (centimetres) ) in inches this is about 16*12*12

It's will be a non CO2 tank, I'll probably use little cryptocorynes, javafern and 2 species of hygrophilla (are this good plants?)

Still don't have any idea wich killi to chose, there are so many beautiful species. Any suggestions?

[FC]

Hi metalsign,

Your tank's nett water volume after deducting the gravel and air above water surface is about 30L. 18 watts lamp will give 0.6 watts per litre, it is enough for Non-CO2 setup. Also, you can manipulate light coverage and intensity by adjusting lamp's height w.r.t water surface.

I am not good in aquascaping but I wish to suggest:
1) slow grower - to suit Non-CO2 condition.
2) small leafed and short plants - to make your tank looks larger than real.

[metalsign]

Okay thanks for the info, what do I have tho understand under small leaved short plants?

Any fishsuggestions

[FC]

Small leafed plant, this one is my favourite.

It is meant for foreground. Looks like Glossotigma but easier to grow and garranteed to stay low like the pciture suggested.

I am not really good in fishes but Cardinals can add colours and some small species shrimp can be interesting. Or if you can get a hand on, add a single species killies and no other fishes to the tank may leave an impression that the aquascape is their habitat.

[metalsign]

what means: 'if you can get a hand on' , my English isn't that good

what the exact name of the plant above? Is it a Glossotigma?

[FC]

I mean if you get it. The plant is Elatine Triandra.

[metalsign]

okay, Iddn't knew that