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need help with 20g plant lighting

Discussion in 'Aquatic Plants & Planted Tanks' started by Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009.

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  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    look in to new light
    OK my idea on building my own light strip has gone up in smoke and I was wondering if this strip and bulb are good for plants.

    here the bulb: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+8066+3808&pcatid=3808" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=3808</a>

    Here the strip I'm looking at: <a class="postlink" href="http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+3800&pcatid=3800" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... catid=3800</a>

    I'm looking at the 24" that use the 18 inch bulbs.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009
    #1
  2. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    The strip will be fine, I wouldn't use that bulb though. I assume you're doing lower light plants ?

    I would go with something like this bulb. <a class="postlink" href="http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+8066+12763&pcatid=12763" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=12763</a>
     
    Anthony, Mar 16, 2009
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  3. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    It will do...well........ok. 5000k is at the bottom of the spectrum that plants like to have. Try to see if you can get 6500k + bulbs.
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
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  4. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: look in to new light

    I what hoping to get to do middle level light plants if I could, It going on a 20 gallon so that would be 1.5 watts per gallon. should I get two strips and an all glass hood if I can afford it?
     
    Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009
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  5. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    Doing mid level plants is going to be a stretch IMO.
     
    Anthony, Mar 16, 2009
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  6. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: look in to new light


    even if I go with two strips and an all glass hood?

    That would give me any where from 45-60 watts.

    that would be a 2-3 watt range.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009
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  7. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    Two 24" bulbs would be 40watts. Some mid level plants may work, others may not.
     
    Anthony, Mar 16, 2009
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  8. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: look in to new light

    the stripe is 24inchs but the bulb is 18, I can't go with a 24 inch bulb because the strip for that is 30" long and my tank is only 24" long.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009
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  9. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    40 on a 20 would work.
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
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  10. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    Oh I thought you meant the bulbs were 24". Since they're 18" that would give you 1.5wpg. :confused:
     
    Anthony, Mar 16, 2009
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  11. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    now that we got that out of the way....you're looking at a low light setup. might be able get some mids to do ..... just ok.
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
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  12. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: look in to new light

    but if the stripes are dual bulb that would give 60 watts.(If I do two strips)

    for an all glass hood is there a area that gives room for you filter and air lines? I have a topfin HOB on my tank.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009
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  13. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    Do you mean a Versa Top ?
     
    Anthony, Mar 16, 2009
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  14. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    Not sure you would have much room on top with too strips. At 60w, you're also looking at Co2.
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
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  15. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: look in to new light

    dang if it wasn't for the fact I'm running a 18 20 watt bulb I would even think about changing strips.
     
    Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009
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  16. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    If you're able to I'd purchase a T5 setup.
     
    Anthony, Mar 16, 2009
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  17. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: look in to new light

    do you have any link to some good T5 strips and light please?
     
    Anonymous, Mar 16, 2009
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  18. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    This is what I use. <a class="postlink" href="http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16770" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... atid=16770</a>

    I use the 156watt version though.
     
    Anthony, Mar 16, 2009
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  19. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    Ya know.....you can get one of the bathroom fixtures (not sure where your tank is located) and use them. Hang on...I have a pic of a nice tank....stand by.....
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
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  20. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: look in to new light

    Now THIS....is the way to go.
    nicelightedtank.jpg
     
    James0816, Mar 16, 2009
    #20
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