Power Filter/Equipment For 55g?

[Seiryoku]

I originaly bought the Emperor 400 for a 29g tank, but have changed my mind and want to set up a 55g now. Is the 400 going to be enough for a 55g? I know its rated for up to an 80g tank, but I always use lots more than is needed ^^)b

I also bought a 150w visi-therm stealth heater for the 29g. Would 2 150w, one on either side of the tank, be enough for a 55g?

Then there is the lighting/hood problem. I was looking at the double/triple bulb all-glass fixtures. I would like to try live plants eventually, but I don't think either the double or triple bulp fixture are enough. Anyone have some experiance with the double/triple fixture?

 

[TLH]

I should think what you're planning is fine.The Emperor being for an 80g is going to be more than adequate for a 55g.Just bear stocking levels in mind.

I'm almost sure the rule is 5 watts per gallon for heaters so your 2x150's is going to be fine.Shows how long it is since I had to think about that sort of thing.

As to the lighting you want to aim at 2-3 watts per gallon minimum for low light plants so check those bulbs are adequate.I've never tried those sort of bulbs before so I can't tell you much about them.

 

[Orion]

The filter and heater should be fine. What fish are you wanting to stock it with? That may be a decideing factor in the filter.

With power compact lighting you get a lot more bang for your buck and is a better over all investement than regular lights. They are a little more pricey to get setup, but once it's done I think that you will be more pleased with the results.

 

[Seiryoku]

Here is a list of fish I was thinking of, don't have any numbers yet though.

Emperor Tetra
Banjo Catfish (Gets up to 6" I know, is it a slow grower?)
Pristella/X-Ray Tetra
Panda Cories
Khulii Loach
Zebra/Tiger Otto (If I can find them, regular Otto if not)
Ember Tetra
Dwarf Rasbora
Exclamation-Point/Least Rasbora
Mosquito Rasbora
Shrimp (Not sure what kind yet)

Most of those fish only get to 1" or 2 " max (except the Banjo and Khulii). A few of them may be hard to find though. As you can see, I'm leaning towards more, but smaller, fish instead of fewer larger ones. Any input on fish possibilites would be great.

Can the compact lighting be installed in the regular strip ligthing hoods and put on top of a standard glass cover?

Thanks for the help ^^)b

 

[echoofformless]

I've heard of people putting the PC lights right over the glass canopy tops, but I wouldn't for fear of the glass shattering. Most PC fixtures either come with or are pre-fitted for legs that hold it up a bit. A wood canopy is another option, as there are all manner of DIY methods to do this.


If you have the up front money for the PC lights, that is the best option. If you're running low on funds like me, you can always take advantage of the 48" length of the tank and use shop lights. I bought two $20 shop lights at Lowe's and fitted them with Coralife Nutri-Gro bulbs. A quick black spray paint application makes them match the rest of my decor. Now I have 2.9 wpg for under a hundred bucks.