Lighting

[stlouiscards8]

I just got my 55 gallon aquarium and I'm just going through the cycle and all. It's going to be a planted tank with driftwood and rocks. I have absolutely no idea what lighting to use. I know for the plants I am going to get, I need 2-3 watts per gallon. So, I was thinking a 65 watt would be acceptable. I am also thinking I need the compact fluorescent or the T-5 bulbs, but I think I am leaning more towards the compact fluorescent.

So my question is, what brand of bulb should I get? What about the Actinic 03 Blue, 10,000K high-intensity, 6,700K, purified super-daylight lamp, or the 50/50? What are the differences between them?

 

[tom91970]

You do not need actinic lights on a freshwater tank. I have a 55 gallon planted tank and use a Coralife fixture. It comes with two 65w compact fluorescent lamps (6700K). One lamp alone won't be enough to give you 2-3 wpg.

My fixture cost about $150 but is well worth it.