Lighting for 29 gal

FrannyB · Post by **FrannyB** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 7:10 am

Will a double strip light be sufficeint or should I spring for a Coral life 1 x 65 watt? I noticed that those bulbs are only 21" long. What's up with that?

If I used a 2 x 65 on this tank, would I have to go the C02 route?

What is a 50/50 bulb?

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 8:54 am

2x65 watts would definitely call for additional CO2. Really, adding CO2 to any planted tank is best. You can always mix your own from yeast and sugar. What are the dimension of the 29 gallon? I know the 30's are 36" long.

50/50 bulb is usually actinic / 10,000K. The kelvin range you should shoot for is 5,000K-10,000K. Anything in that range will grow nice plants. The thing to look for in a good bulb is a high CRI (color rendering index) of at least 90. Then find the kelvin that gives the colors you like and you're set.

I would recommend sticking with the 1x65 watt bulb to start with. If you get the retrofit kit from www.ahsupply.com you'll get more light out of the bulb because of the quality reflector it comes with. It's about the same cost as the coralife too.

SCMurphy · Post by **SCMurphy** » Wed Dec 21, 2005 10:52 am

But don't get confused when you are on the AHSupply site, they don't have a 65 watt kit. You'll be looking at the 55 watt kit.

FrannyB · Post by **FrannyB** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 10:26 am

The tank is 30 x 12 x 18.

Is the retrofit kit an easy assembly for the electronically challenged?

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 10:41 am

FrannyB wrote:The tank is 30 x 12 x 18.

Is the retrofit kit an easy assembly for the electronically challenged?

Yes, as far as the electronics part goes...it's pretty well plug-n-play from what I've seen. I've never had one myself though. Maybe someone on here has?

SCMurphy · Post by **SCMurphy** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 12:33 pm

The assembly instructions were flawless, however, you still need to have a place to mount the retrofit, either in a gutted light strip, or a canopy. It's not designed to just be rested on top of the tank.

Cristy Keister · Post by **Cristy Keister** » Sat Dec 24, 2005 12:57 pm

My 46 has 2 AH Supply retrofits in the canopy. If I can do it you certainly can! Just make sure you have the reflector at least 2" above the glass top (if you have one) or the heat can break the glass.

FrannyB · Post by **FrannyB** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 12:13 pm

I'm pretty sure I'll go the AH route. But I'm still checking around.

What do you think about this light? http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?Pa ... ProdID=210

I like that the bulbs are staggered. Anyone use these before?

dmartin72 · Post by **dmartin72** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 12:42 pm

I have purchased two of their set-ups with no problems. For the price, it is the best deal out there.

FrannyB · Post by **FrannyB** » Sun Dec 25, 2005 1:19 pm

Good, good. I may have to buy 10,000K bulbs from AH as this place is set up for marine.

Guess, I'm going C02.

Lighting for 29 gal

Lighting for 29 gal

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