will 2x40w be ok?

[cichlidlover]

hi all,
just bought my new fluval 240ltr and was wondering if the 2x40w t8 tubes are going to be ok to grow most of the everyday plants?
the tank is getting C02 and tropica subsrate under quartz sand. i would have loved a tank with t5 tubes but my budget does not allow me that extra £100!!!

thanks guys

mark

 

[foxfish]

Your T8s will most likely be fine but T5s should not cost £100 if you just buy a starter unit & two bulbs?

 

[cichlidlover]

thanks for the reply.
wish hagen would do a t5 set to fit the hoods on the roma as its a good tank for the money.
I know i could get a set and clip these to my t8s but would this make it awkward with feeding etc?

 

[toadass]

Hi mate, I have a Roma 200 which only come with the 2 x 30w, I wanted to upgrade the lighting and after alot of research found that fluval don't do much in way of lighting for the Roma.

I bought a 2 x 39w ballast http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HAGEN-GLO-T5-AQUA ... 519622b144 This is a 2 x 54w which may be better for 240. I only put 21w T5 in mine as i didn't want to go ott as I was only starting out in the hobby.

The T5 bulbs would be better of purchased from Lampspecs. http://www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs- ... cent-Tubes .

James has done a great thread on which colours ect, http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=555

As for fitting I just cable tied together under the hood and put the ballast in the cabinet, or if you feel a bit more DIY than me you could try this. http://ukaps.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f= ... 5+lighting .

Hope this helps, and should be under budget, good luck
cheers. Toad

 

[foxfish]

I bought a starter from here a few weeks back http://www.cdaquatics.co.uk/hagen-glo-t ... -1480.html for £36. I then bought 2 x T5 bulbs from a locale lighting shop for less than £6. = total £42.00.