This site is supported by the advertisements on it, please disable your AdBlocker so we can continue to provide you with the quality content you expect.
  1. Support us by upgrading to the lifetime advertisement free version.

    Click here for more information.
    Dismiss Notice
  2. We are after as many aquarium plant images that we can get, doing so will assist us in completing the aquarium plant database.

    https://barrreport.com/threads/aquatic-plant-images-wanted.14374/
    Dismiss Notice
Ad Free Version - No more add? Aquarium Plant Images Wanted

Lighting help with a 29 gallon

Discussion in 'Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here' started by Billdubz, Jul 17, 2009.

  1. Billdubz

    Billdubz Junior Poster

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2009
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    8:59 AM
    Hello everyone - first post so be easy. I got a 10gal about a year ago for my son who loves looking at fish, then I got hooked on keeping aquariums. So now I just bought a 29 gallon dimensions are 30in wide X 18 tall X 12 deep (I'm not sure if that's standard or not). So I want to get a new lighting system for all of my plants that I have as well as all the new ones that I can now fit. I'd like to be able to grow anything that I put in there. I have a DIY CO2 system already. I've been looking at various setups online as well as the LFS. The most popular in stores seems to be the Hagen GLO T5HO systems. I like them but I'm not sure if I'd be able to get even light coverage throughout the tank because the only one that will fit my aquarium is 24 inches. I've found 30" setups like this one: Aquarium Specialty - says it has 4 lamps plus 2 Lunar but I'm not sure if it is the bulbs that have 2 in one. I've been doing so much research that I feel like I have an information overload. If I go with the T5HO does the old WPG rule of thumb still apply? If it does then I would only have 48 watts in 29 gallons. I want to grow everything I can find!

    Should I go with the 30" for better coverage or would I be well off with the 24" hagen? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I know that I should try stuff and see what works but I don't want to spend $100+ only to find out I want something else. Any other input as far as what I can get is also welcome - just please help end this confusion :confused: :confused:

    Thanks in advance
    -Bill
     
    #1 Billdubz, Jul 17, 2009
  2. Philosophos

    Philosophos Lifetime Charter Member
    Lifetime Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2009
    Messages:
    1,346
    Likes Received:
    0
    Local Time:
    8:59 AM
    Welcome to the greener end of the hobby.

    You can keep anything you like of typical hobby plants in a 29 gal done right, but I can't promise you it'll look good. Size is another issue, and the growth that goes along with it.

    If you want to buy a lighting system rather than going DIY, my advice would be to get something around 36'', and let it overhang. You'll get better lighting at the edges of your tank this way anyhow.

    In general, what's being aimed for is something around 50mmol PAR. Most of us can't measure PAR, and lux is only good when comparing the same lamp to its self (human biasing towards yellow for lux), so WPG becomes a general comparison.

    If you're doing T5HO with good spacing between the bulbs (not cramped into the same housing), and individual parabolic reflectors, you'll be looking at more like 1.5wpg.

    If you're headed for most other systems, 2wpg will serve just fine.

    If you want to grow everything though, don't focus so much on light. CO2 is the issue; get compressed. If you can't do compressed, stick with 2wpg as a guideline for max lighting; 1.5wpg in T5HO. This would mean a fair bit of DIY CO2 and using flourish excel.

    -Philosophos
     
    #2 Philosophos, Jul 18, 2009
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)
Loading...
Similar Threads - Lighting help gallon
  1. #1 Plant Boy

    Help With Fluvial 2.0 Lighting On 55 Breeder Aquarium

    #1 Plant Boy, Sep 24, 2018, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    965
    jeffkrol
    Dec 10, 2018
  2. Tutmose

    Need Help With Lighting

    Tutmose, Sep 11, 2018, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    3
    Views:
    734
    rajkm
    Sep 26, 2018
  3. archangelvk

    Lighting And Tank Choice Help Required

    archangelvk, Apr 6, 2018, in forum: Are you new to aquatic plants? Start here
    Replies:
    2
    Views:
    897
    Kyalgae
    Apr 7, 2018
  4. Rmerriett

    Help With 90gal Lighting

    Rmerriett, Feb 19, 2018, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    0
    Views:
    788
    Rmerriett
    Feb 19, 2018
  5. geektom

    Looking for lighting help

    geektom, Jun 28, 2017, in forum: Lighting
    Replies:
    5
    Views:
    1,063
    Pikez
    Jun 30, 2017

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice