Hi, I have a planted discus tank which is 150cm x 50cm deep x 45 cm. It was lit by 3 80W T5 tubes with reflectors. It also has CO2 injection controlled by a pH probe. The plants are giant vallis and amazon swords. The vallis is doing fine, the amazon swords are OK. I have some algae problems. The tank is covered by a hood make of MDF which accomodates the lights.
The Giesemann Razor unit holding 2 of the 3 tubes stopped working, and presently, is rather hard to have repaired. This gives me an opportunity to re-think the lighting situation. Are 3 big T5 tubes too much? Would it be better to just have 2 tubes? How about 2 tubes and some LED lighting? One 80W T5 produces about 6,000 lumen. I have not as yet seen an LED unit that can fit in the hood with that kind of light output. I quite like what the Fluval Aquasky (Aquasky 2.0 - Fluval UK) can do, so my best idea at the moment is have 2 80W T5s with reflectors and one 33W Aquasky.
I would be grateful for any advice and ideas.
The Giesemann Razor unit holding 2 of the 3 tubes stopped working, and presently, is rather hard to have repaired. This gives me an opportunity to re-think the lighting situation. Are 3 big T5 tubes too much? Would it be better to just have 2 tubes? How about 2 tubes and some LED lighting? One 80W T5 produces about 6,000 lumen. I have not as yet seen an LED unit that can fit in the hood with that kind of light output. I quite like what the Fluval Aquasky (Aquasky 2.0 - Fluval UK) can do, so my best idea at the moment is have 2 80W T5s with reflectors and one 33W Aquasky.
I would be grateful for any advice and ideas.