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t-5 question & lighting assistance needed for 55g

Discussion in 'Aquarium Equipment & Decor' started by heyfishiesfishies, Feb 28, 2009.

  1. heyfishiesfishies

    heyfishiesfishies Thread Starter New Member

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    T5 light
    Hi everyone..I need help with choosing a light for my 55 gallons. I don't know what kind of light i have right now..but it's not bright. I heard that the T5 makes the fish tank looks real nice. I saw on craigslist with this ad:

    (36" of 2x 39w T5 $60 ). Is that a good deal and good enough for my tank??? oh..I forgot to mention..i have fake plant in my tank and thinking of putting some real plants in. And what kind of color should i get for the bulb? Thanks.
     
    heyfishiesfishies, Feb 28, 2009
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  2. Guidoman888

    Guidoman888 New Member

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    Not an expert in lights. But I think 2x 39w T5's will be fine.
     
    Guidoman888, Feb 28, 2009
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  3. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    It will be ok. The only problem will be the length as the footprint of a 55g is 48". I'm running a similar light now on a 46g which has the same footprint. If going with live plants, you want to use 6500k daylight bulbs.
     
    James0816, Feb 28, 2009
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  4. GOT MTS?

    GOT MTS? Member

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    That would give you 1.4 watts per gallon. That would be in the low light range. Check the plant sticky in the plant section to see a list of low light plants
     
    GOT MTS?, Feb 28, 2009
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  5. heyfishiesfishies

    heyfishiesfishies Thread Starter New Member

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    Thanks everyone for replying. I have the bowfront tank so the length is only 36" with 21" height. Is $60 a good deal for it though? Once again..thanks.
     
    heyfishiesfishies, Feb 28, 2009
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  6. Anthony

    Anthony Active Member

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    Drs Foster and Smith has a 36" 78watt Nova Extreme SLR (Which I think is what you're talking about above.) for 75.00 new. I wouldn't pay more than $40ish for a used unit, especially considering you'll likely have to replace the bulbs.
     
    Anthony, Feb 28, 2009
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  7. heyfishiesfishies

    heyfishiesfishies Thread Starter New Member

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    Thanks Anthony..i'm just gonna buy it from Drs Foster and Smith.
     
    heyfishiesfishies, Feb 28, 2009
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  8. Guidoman888

    Guidoman888 New Member

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    That'd be best since the'll go for a while :)
     
    Guidoman888, Feb 28, 2009
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