A different approach - will it work.

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I am replacing my old low tech planted tank(8USG) with a new 36”*15”*15” = 35 USG tank.

Plants will be towards the rear end, for which instead of going for a regular lighting hood, will try to have something custom made. - the idea is to meet the wattage per gallon crtiteria focused solely on the planted region to optimize the cost and looks - idea struck me and have taken it up as a project :)

Plants I would want to keep – any good looking plants with fine leaves like cabomba will do. Would also want to have few leaf plants.
So actually its lighting which is driving the wheels not the plants. i want to minimize the initial & mantainance cost and have a nice looking planted tank. - do not intend to use CO2.

Since the volume which needs appropriate lighting (for plants) is much less than the aqurium’s – maybe 1/4th = about 9USG, I was thinking of suitable lighting.

Read lots of posts and did lot of research.

I feel here are my options :

1. 3 nos - 1 ft T5 @ 8/11W
2. 2 nos – 2 ft T5 @ 14W
3. 1 PL @ 36W
4. CFLS?? Don’t think if it is an good idea.
5. T8???

i already have a pink hitachi 1' (not useful for plants) tube and a 11W CFL.

I hope i am being clear in my ideas.

Suggestions please on lighting (or on anything you want to) and am i missing something?

Fluorescents are non directional lights and these lights will cause general brightness. Much better if you plan with small groups of LEDs, not costly, easy mountable and directed. You could have small patches of planted areas under good light with half lit mysterious areas inbetween.

Thanks for the suggestion, might apply it some other time. It is just that i want my aqurium to be well lit Smile

Have atleast one light in the front of the tank so that the lower leaves also get some light or they look dirty

2 X 23 watt 65K cool daylight CFL will be sufficient for your tank. place them at either end or over the planted portions.

Lights will be 6-10 inches above water level. From that height, will good amount of light from the CFL be able to penetrate to the bottom of the tank (depth = 15") ?

which of these suits better to be installed above the planted volume :

1. 1 PL of 36W above the planted volume.
2. 2 nos of 2 feet T5 (nomral not HO).
3. T8s???

Along with the options above, i also have 1 CFL - 11W and 10W Hitachi pink tube which i could use to light the front of the aqurium(non-planted region).