lighting..

[pyro fiend]

cover as in glass? debating on having some cut. but for now i have hardwear cloth over it [so i wont have jumpers] and a male in there to help it cycle

but leme look around here at hardwear stores and stuff. im not sure what cfl's are so i may not be able to find any lol

[aokashi]

ooooh sorry! it's compact fluorescent lights. Just those twirly whirly coily light bulbsXD

[pyro fiend]

im guessing its not the energy efficient ones? :P

[aokashi]

Yup

[pyro fiend]

little off topic here, bit does tannis effect plants or there growth? iv boiled this wood like 12 times now some times it goes nearly clear with yellow tint. ill dump water out boil again.. and itl be even darker -.- and i dont want it to have any tan, if its gna effect the plants..

[Aahnay]

See this light here? it says its a grow light but its only 4200k and 10 bucks.

I was going to get one for each of my 10g, but didnt. Because everyone rec the other, what 7500k color? I dont know which is best. Perhaps the 7500k color can get through the water better? I havent a clue.

Also, many plants are low light, like the ones i have. Mine are doing fine under the 35 led light I purchased. It was 35$ with off, on, and moon. Its supposed to make the water sparkle, but i dont see that really. But its for up to a 20gal, and I have it on a 4 gal, lol.

Also, I saw that having the leds a bit above the tank helps to get that sparkle look.

some lighting parameters here "Freshwater Planted Aquariums: Fish, live plants, decorative wood and/or ceramics
Recommended lighting system: Standard fluorescent, T-5 HO, VHO, Power Compact, Metal Halide/HQI."

[aokashi]

I've grown plants in 3200k lighting before lol. and mu tank was dark yellow with tannins XD

[Aahnay]

more from the same site, also look at the bottom of the page for a chart.

Most of the freshwater aquatic plants available on the market originally came from shallow areas of rivers in Central and South America. Though the water there is generally murky, the plants experience full-spectrum light. Depending on the specific species of plants you plan to acquire, and the depth of your tank, you will need a standard fluorescent lighting system between 2 and 5 watts per gallon. Purchase only plants which your lighting system will support.

The heat generated by most of the more powerful lighting systems required for live plants is considerable. If necessary, raise the fixture slightly above the cover to provide extra space to promote air circulation. A small cooling fan can be used to efficiently dissipate heat from the fixture.

[Aahnay]

So that 10 buck light would work, cool and thanks.

[Aahnay]

So, procrastinating and researching tank lighting. omg. I cant keep it all in my head!

Looks like T2 is the best next to the expensive LEDs. Must account for lumens too.

Found this little gem, and it looks like it fits the criteria, but I dont really know? I mean for the smaller tanks.

The longer link-together would be better for the big tanks (im guessing).