Lighting

Layna · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 01:02 PM

Hey all-

Just a quick question. What type of lighting is needed to grow plants? I am looking into buliding a small planted viv. and need to know what type of lights.

Do i use a grow light or a UV light?

Thanks!

rsfrid · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 02:54 PM

I think most people use grow lights for plants. Common types are t5 florescent (this includes compact florescent, bi-axial CF, spiral compact florescent, straight tube - 24" or 48", etc.) and LED. For just lighting the tank, LED might work fine and is certainly pretty cool, but for plants LED isn't nearly strong enough. You should do a search on t5 plant lights and see what you get. If you aren't happy with your results, post back and I'd be happy to share my sources.

Layna · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2008, 08:01 PM

Thanks rsfrid, I ran across this earlier.

Discount CFL Compact Fluorescent Grow Lights for Plants from ACF Greenhouses

The bulbs, I am figuring I want a 55 gallon, so I figure either go two bulbs, one for each side. Anyway does the wattage have anything to do with the amount of light that the plants use is put out? Would the 60 watt be ok for everyday usage?

Thanks!

rsfrid · #4 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 10:10 AM

The wattage is the amount of electric they use. The amount of light would be measured in either lux or foot-candles. These lights will run very hot compared to compact florescent and use more energy as well.

Layna · #5 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 11:42 AM

Thanks. Well then I'll stick with florescent tubes then. I think I'll go with the T5 High Output Fluorescent Grow Light Strips (page 2 the first light). Just one more quick question.

Does it matter how far the light is away from the plants? I may just set it on top of the screen of the tank. Or attached to the underside of the screen, so it hangs from the inside.

kron4me · #6 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 12:38 PM

Depending on what type of plants you are growing most recommend no more than 36 inches from the top of the lowest plants.

Layna · #7 (**permalink**) 01-13-2008, 12:40 PM

Hmm...ok thanks.

kron4me · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 12:40 PM

I would like to add on to my earlier post, 36 inches from the top of the plant IF it needs bright light to survive, if it is a low light plant you can get away with more distance.

Green Ghost · #9 (**permalink**) 01-17-2008, 01:52 PM

I just came back from a month in Tokyo (Japan)

I saw some amazing aquariums and vivariums there. I got a lot of really good ideas and saw some lighting hardware I'd never seen here before.

I will look for the pics and post them. They have fixtures made of billet aluminum (to dissipate heat) that house fluorescent fixtures coupled with metal halide fixtures. You control both independently with timers or manually.

Thier planted tanks are just unbelievable - plants look very happy.

Edit: sorry it took so long but here are the pics: check out [url=http://www.adana.co.jp]

kron4me · #10 (**permalink**) 01-18-2008, 03:15 AM

Plants are my "thing" so I'm always looking for new lighting ideas post the pics when you find them please!