PL light for planted tanks

[scang7]

hmmm... like to make things a little easier for a novice like me.
does anyone has any recommendations on the type and where to get for my 2 feet tank. Am using 2 FLs at the present moment and due for changes soon. Thanks and appreciated.

[Allen_1971]

scang,

for smaller tanks, try ang go with PL lights... you can pack a lot more light in.

[wynx]

One little question....

What is the best light fixture for a 1 foot cube? Taking colour temperature and wattage into consideration.....Pls help leh.....tolong tolong...kekeke

[scang7]

thanks allen,

dun really comprehend what u mean.. do u mean checking my lighting system to one that supports PL or just change my FL to PL onli? based on either options... how much will they cost? me student with a restricted budget.

[bclee]

Scang, I believe you are having 2x15W FL.

You are saying that it is due for change soon... bulb replacement or upgrade?

For bulb replacement, normal daylight tubes (or 5000K~6500K) should be fine. Personally, I like combination of warm white(2700K~4000K) and daylight.

If you intend to upgrade to PL lightings (more wattage), you must be aware that the margin for error is smaller. There are higher chance of algae infestation if you do not keep up with the nutrients and CO2.

For upgrading, a 15W FL + 36W PL should do fine, don't use 2x36W PL, IMO, it is not neccessary and if you are not sure what you are doing, you can screw up big time.

BC

[bclee]

Wow, you guys post so fast... when I am typing 3 persons already posted.

Change of FL to PL will require changing of the ballast and the sockets. FL are the straight tubes with pins at both ends. PL are U-shapre tubes with pins all at one end.

BC

[scang7]

am presently using 1 15W 6500K FL and 1 15W 7000k FL for my 2 feet tank.. was wndering if they are sufficient for my plants. cos i realise that one of my plants, its midsection down does not have any leaves.. so was wondering is it due to the lack of light. Does brand of lightings affect? Am using some china brand one.. thanks

[wynx]

When I 1st started my tank...I used to have a 2 x 36 watt PL (DIY with aluminium reflector) for my 2ft by 15.ft by 1.5 ft. Dun have those problem you faced....stringy growth, etc.


Now looking to start my 1 footer on my desk...haha..need good light and not those cheapo ones at LFS....the color temperature is definetely wrong!

[scang7]

what would u suggest for me to get if i only have enough $ for a change in the light bulb... and where can i get them? am new to all these stuffs... thanks a lot. me seemed quite troublesome.. paiseh

[bclee]

Yes, it may be due insufficient lighting.

You can add one more set of FL lights or replace one of your FL with a PL.

Having 1 more set of FL lights will give you very nice coverage over the whole top. You will get even light and no hard shadows. But you will find the top of your tank totally covered.

Replacing with PL will save space over your tank, but you may find some darker spots where the lights can't cover or blocked.

But note that with higher lights, you have to maintain good fertilisation and good level of CO2 is a must.

BC

[wynx]

Point to note....

Once your tank get covered up...temperature builds up....could be bad or good but least evapouration problem can eliminate. My tank now is open top....temp in region of 26-28....

Anyhow, stringy plants could indicate a few things....nutrients deciency or light deficiency....

Juz my 2 sens....

[scang7]

am dosing in abt 2.5ml of serra florena daily.. is that sufficient? or should i dose in more or add some other kind of fert?

[naturetan]

I think choosing the type of lights really depend on what plants you intend to grow. Sun or shade loving type. For low light setting, I would prefer FL light type as it spread more evenly.

I've many unsuccessful attempt for my 2 ft tank when I used only 3W/g lights, since most are sunloving and some are difficult plants. After upgrading to about 4.5W/g using 2X36W PL lights, all my plants flourish well. I like PL lights because its able to penetrate deeper. So far doing well with my tank and still monitoring for sign of excessive algae growth.

For Amano tank of 60X30X36cm, he used 4X20W FL lights, 80W in total. So your choice of light depends on your plant type and how well you manage your tank.

[scang7]

can FL be copnverted to PL? if so how to?

[Allen_1971]

Yes they can... the same ballast which is used to drive an FL tube can be used for PL tube... however, after seeing your tank specs in the other posting, I'm not so sure you need to upgrade....