Jason Blake
Member
- Joined
- 1 Sep 2014
- Messages
- 58
Hi,
I an new to this forum and forums in general, so my apologies if my etiquette is not quite right.
I have been given an Aquael Hexaset 60 litre aquarium. It is hexagonal shaped (which is proving to be a very difficult shape!) holding 60 litres roughly 15 gallons of water.
I would like to set this up as an high tech Tropical freshwater planted aquarium. I want to grow baby tears as a carpet as well as various other red plants that require high levels of light. I need advice and recommendations and what type of lights to go for.
The problem I am having is the bewildering and contradictory lighting guidelines. I understand that the Watts Per Gallon guideline has been debunked and that we are supposed to go on PAR ratings instead, but trying to find these ratings is akin to extracting blood from a stone!
I am also struggling to find lights that will actually fit the odd shape of the aquarium. The widest opening of the aquarium where I could place anything like a luminaire is 38 cm (15 inches). I would prefer to keep everything under a hood and avoid an open top aquarium but if this is the only way to provide the high light levels then so be it. The other dimensions of the tank are 21cm (8 inches) per side in a hexagon shape and it is 50 cm (19 inches) deep. If the aquarium was square it would measure 43 cm (17 inches) x 38 cm (15 inches).
I am currently considering 4 x 11w PC light fittings would this provide the required lighting levels? Or should I be considering something else?
This aquarium will have pressurised CO2 injection as well as EI dosing both Macro and Micro nutrients and the substrate will be Tetra Complete capped with aquarium sand.
I would really appreciate any advice and recommendations for lighting for this tank.
Thank you.
I an new to this forum and forums in general, so my apologies if my etiquette is not quite right.
I have been given an Aquael Hexaset 60 litre aquarium. It is hexagonal shaped (which is proving to be a very difficult shape!) holding 60 litres roughly 15 gallons of water.
I would like to set this up as an high tech Tropical freshwater planted aquarium. I want to grow baby tears as a carpet as well as various other red plants that require high levels of light. I need advice and recommendations and what type of lights to go for.
The problem I am having is the bewildering and contradictory lighting guidelines. I understand that the Watts Per Gallon guideline has been debunked and that we are supposed to go on PAR ratings instead, but trying to find these ratings is akin to extracting blood from a stone!
I am also struggling to find lights that will actually fit the odd shape of the aquarium. The widest opening of the aquarium where I could place anything like a luminaire is 38 cm (15 inches). I would prefer to keep everything under a hood and avoid an open top aquarium but if this is the only way to provide the high light levels then so be it. The other dimensions of the tank are 21cm (8 inches) per side in a hexagon shape and it is 50 cm (19 inches) deep. If the aquarium was square it would measure 43 cm (17 inches) x 38 cm (15 inches).
I am currently considering 4 x 11w PC light fittings would this provide the required lighting levels? Or should I be considering something else?
This aquarium will have pressurised CO2 injection as well as EI dosing both Macro and Micro nutrients and the substrate will be Tetra Complete capped with aquarium sand.
I would really appreciate any advice and recommendations for lighting for this tank.
Thank you.