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New Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/6/2008 7:50:59 AM
Posts: 44,
Visits: 19
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I found a great deal on a 55 gallon with stand, so I bought it. it came with hood that can take a single flourescent light bulb. I plan to make it a planted tank, but my plant experience is limited so far... I converted my 10 and 20 gallon tanks to low-light planted tanks, with just java ferns and anubias that are planted on driftwood or straight in the ordinary gravel. I want this 55 to be able to support higher light requirement plants.
I read somewhere that it might be possible to buy a light at a hardware store (perhaps the kind people use to grow plants indoors?) and that this is much cheaper than buying a light fixture from a pet supply catalogue or whatever. Is this true? Has anyone done this?
Also, if anyone has any links to good online articles or websites about setting this all up, it would be much appreciated  I'm still in the learn-all-i-can phase before I actually begin.
Thanks 
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Fishkeeping GURU
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/8/2008 4:09:27 PM
Posts: 11,953,
Visits: 5,445
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Higher light planted tanks are going to cost you no matter what you do. Count on a minimum of $10 per gallon above and beyond the regular fish related equipment (tank, filter, etc) unless you get a super deal on a light fixture and CO2 equipment on Craigslist or ebay or something. Those hydroponics lights are not strong enough for high light plants (maybe medium light) because they are usually just two regular T12 fluorescent tubes. And once you get a stronger light, you will need CO2 equipment too, which with that size tank and high light you will probably need pressurized (I tried the DIY CO2 route with a medium-high light tank and it didn't work well at all).
Edit: I just found out there are hydroponic T5 fixtures out there too, and those may work. I have no idea what the price range runs though.
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