kbfan

hi everyone i`m new here.i know this question has probably been asked a million times.but... i have surfed the internet for the answer to this question.hours and hours just looking for a simple answer.i`m just a simple minded guy who loves fish.now i want to start a real planted tank (always had those fake plants before).i just want to know what kind of lighting i need for a begginers planted tank.i have the newbie plants that don`t need "super lighting" equipment,like the fish stores have.i was told that the ""begginer"" plants i`ve bought(java moss,wisteria,sword,anubias) could grow with ""any"" light system.but then...i read that you need 6500k,10,000k,one hundred millon k,80watts,2000watts,t-8,t-12,t-100,haligen,blue,green,red lighting,co2.i`ll stop now...well you get my point.
please can someone help this "newbie" get some light bulbs to just grow some "begginer" plants: i`m on a limited budget.with gas prices,i`m sure we all are. o.k.......heres what my tank set-up is.

75 gallon tank. gravel substrate.(no ugf). two penguin 350 filters(the hanging type).heater of course.and now....the lighting!. i have the 48'' strip light that comes with most tanks you buy.it holds two 24'' fluorescent bulbs (they look like shop light bulbs) with a balast system i guess.please tell me,what fluorescent light bulbs do i need to buy,that will support my plants.i know this sounds like a simple question...but boy, i just can`t find a simple answer.so,if anyone has a suggestion,comment,opinion,anything.please let me know (thankyou and sorry,i`m just frustrated.

ohiodave

If you want to go really cheap get the 48 inch shoplight from lowes buy two 6500k daylight bulbs and that would grow those plants fine, less tan 20 bucks total. Or look around and find another 48" strip pack both with daylight bulbs and that will work also. Either way you should be under 50 bucks.

Tex Gal

You could post on the For sale trade that you are looking for 48" light strips used and see what happens.

Nevermore

One 48" strip light won't be enough light. Aim for at least 1.5 watts per gallon. With shop lights, a little higher would be better.

kbfan

first,thanks for the help everyone.if i buy a 48'' shop light from lowes will it fit inside my canopy? i have a full wood canopy that matches the tank i bought.my perfecto strip light fits fine.i`m just wondering if the shop light will fit the inside dimensions of the canopy.also...if it will work.do i just lay the shop light on top of the tank? or does it have to be held above the glass inserts. thanks

trenac

When I think of a shop light this is what I see... http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...t=shop%20light Which would not work for your needs.

I'm think you just have a normal plastic flourescent hood that comes with all new tank setups that are bought in LFS. If so, then you will need to replace that with an entirely different fixture.

The highest light plant you have is the sword which requires at least 2 watts per gallon (WPG) to grow really good. You could get by with less light for this plant, but you just won't see it at its best.

I would suggest getting a light fixture with a wattage of 150, or some where close. Coralife has a 130 PC fixture that would give you 1.73wpg. But you will actually be getting more light since it has power compact bulbs. Or if you are good with your hands you could build yourself a canopy & go with a retro fit kit from AH supply.