Lighting...Endless possibilities and I'm confused LOL

[AquaScaper]

I was cruising a few fish stores today, mostly comparing prices on some stuff I need and also checking out lighting. I just bought a canopy and light set that came with a 24" Aqua-glo 20W bulb which just doesn't seem to be bright enough for my planted tank. What brands should I be looking at for a Deep 30gal? I don't have Co2 at this time and don't really know if and when I will so at this point I need lighting that will help maintain my plants without really any help other than from the usual dose of ferts...

There's so many to choose from and they all talk about how good they are for plants and anything else you want to use them for, but that doesn't help me pick the right one because they all claim to be the right one lol.

Help....S.O.S....

Mixixe...I apologize, I'm not stealing your thread, something went screwy when I tried to start a new one and my post ended up in your thread somehow.:confused:

[Melody]

Dunno what happened, but its all your own thread now, sorry about that.

As for your question, I'll be watching the answers myself. There is definitly enough lighting options out there to boggle the Melody.:rolleyes:

[AquaScaper]

Thanks for moving it for me Mel :D

I was stumped as to what had happened lol, I wasn't even in that thread when I posted that and it appeared in there anyways. Oh well, hopefully someone will have some advice or suggestions for me :)

[CACAdmin]

Sorry, I know so little about plants and lighting that I'm of no help there. As for what happened with your thread, who knows? not me (& I guess I'm the one who ought to be able to figure it out... if anyone can...lol).:Dunno: Maybe you're just jinxed! :DevilGrin:

Good luck getting some lighting advice... there are a bunch of 'plant' people around here so someone's bound to have some info for you. :yes:

[thegrandpoohbah]

The T8 flourescent tubes that come with most canopies are pretty much useless for a planted tank unless you have low light plants. Most planted tank people use T5 light fixtures, PC (power compact) or even metal halide. Don't bother with a new T8 bulb. Just save up and get a better light fixture and it will save you a bunch of headaches later. Don't forget though, when you up the light you will also need CO2 and ferts otherwise the algae goes nuts.

[Melody]

I don't know what is in the 10G that you sold me, but the plants go nuts in there. I suppose not much is required for a small tank.

[Edgezilla]

What is the dimension of the tank, Aquascaper?