PlanTanks

Hey all,

I need some advice, i have a Hagen T5 HO 2 x 54w bulbs, but i have a 60 gallon planted tank, and that runs to less than 2 watts a gallon, so I bought a Current Dual satellite fixture, 4 CF bulbs 4x65 watt bulbs, 2 of them are actinic (those arent really useful for planted tanks correct?) for it, which brings it to over 4 watts per gallon

question... should i change blubs? and it (the current one) runs really hot, even with the fan on, while the Hagen powerglo doesnt have one, but light seems like its brighter, should i just return the dual sats, and just get another hagen power glow with aquaglo bulbs? (i understand they work better for planted tanks) and just bring it up to 216 watts for a 60g instead of the 260w, thanks all

 

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hoppycalif

The two T5 bulbs are enough light for that tank. Adding more light will mostly just add more algae problems.

bigstick120

Either light will work fine on your tank, it depends on what your goals are. One light is low, the other is high light. If you dont have CO2 with the high light you are going to have problems.

PlanTanks

dumb question... when you mean high light, you mean the more watts per gallon one? or the lower wattage T5 High Output ones?

bigstick120

For your tank

Hagen T5 HO 2 x 54w bulbs~Low light/boarder line medium

4 CF bulbs 4x65 watt bulbs~High light even with the actinic, but you should replace them.

hoppycalif

From what I have read here and elsewhere, T5 lights are about 30 to 50% more intense than PC lights, so the 2 x 54 watt T5 lights are effectively much more than 2 watts per gallon and good enough to grow almost any aquatic plant.

bigstick120

If it has quality reflectors I would agree with that statement Hoppy, I have seen the reflectors on the Hagen, not sure if I am sold on the design though. Still medium light IMO

PlanTanks

good enough to plant glossostigma?

Avalon

Your 'medium' light is good enough to grow any plant (w/ CO2).

bigstick120

You should be fine to grow glosso, all you can do is try, no harm in that!

 

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