Hi Max,

I just had a look at your web site, and deduce from that that you'll want to
keep Discus in the tank. If this is the case, then it's probably a good
idea not to overdo the lighting. With a 60" tank, the best tubes to use are
48" T-8 globes or else 24"(ish) 55W CF globes. You'll have a few inches
either end that aren't lit, but you won't be able to tell looking at the
tank.

I'd aim for something around 2 wats per gallon, rather than the 3-4 that
many people use. Indeed in my own planted discus tank, a 48" x 19" x 24"
(90G) I have 190W, in a mix of T-8 and CF.

So in your case 4x48" T-8s would be great. As for CRI and colour
temperature, it's mostly down to preference. Any good quality daylight
triple phosphor globe will work beautifully. I myself use a hodge-podge of
lamps; a 40W "Aqua glow" tube, a 10,000K Coralife Actinic, and a pair of
Osram 4300K 55W CF tubes. When that lot needs replacing, I'll get some bog
basic GE tri-phosphor daylight tubes to replace the T-8s, and hunt down
something similar to replace the CF lamps.

In any case, best of luck with your tank. With any luck you'll be convinced
(as I was) that Discus and plants are an ideal combination.

Regards,

Suzy

--
---
Suzy Jackson http://www.suzyj.net

Hoa!

great site, I've been using that for reference for months now, and of course
post it as required

thanks for the info.

wrote in message ...
Max,

I discuss different tubes, the effect of CRI and Kelvin temperatures, and
gave
suggestions on my web site. See the Fluorescent Light Comparison page,
and
also the Notes, Tech, and FAQ pages.

Good luck,

Hoa
Planted Aquarium: http://www.geocities.com/nguyenhg/

In article , Max
writes:
Hi Everyone

Help! Despite loads of research, I'm still not sure what spec tubes I
should
be using on my new tank. It has an IC controlled, pressurised CO2
injected
system, substrate heating and filtered by a sump with integral trickle
tower
(36" x 18" x 18", only one third full during normal use, though, I hope!
I've yet to add water!), I plan to use 4 to 6, 60" T8 tubes with
reflectors.
I think I prefer the full length coverage offered by the T8's, rather
than
going for the compact flourescents. However, I can't decide which tubes I
should be using. Full spectrum, daylight or what? Is there any need to be
overdriving them with higher rated ballasts? Can any of you guys suggest
manufacturers and part numbers? I have access to an electrical wholesaler
here in the UK. I don't see the point in paying over the odds at the LFS
for
aquarium branded tubes. My main confusion lies around Kelvin output and
CRI
ratings and what's best for a planted tank. I'd like to be able to grow a
selection of
low to high light requiring plants. There's loads of info on the web
about
the different ratings of flourescent tubes but nobody names specific ones
to
use for planted aquaria. Perhaps I should mix tubes of various
specifications. If you've had success with particular tubes I'd love to
know. I apologise if this info has been posted previously, but I'm sure
there's others out there who'd love your input too! All suggestions
gratefully received!

Thanks in anticipation

Max
Max's Discus Page
http://freespace.virgin.net/m.pickering







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Max, you might want to try search SPX 860's, 900's bulbs(or something
close) or some post by Wayne. He's big on over driving and using
T-8's.
I would be as well, if I had a large number of tanks to light.
CRI= our color preception, generall the higher the number, the better
color but this does not tell you how much usable light is reaching the
plants.

K temp, plants do great at most Kelvin temps that are offered. But
most 5000K to 6500K temps are used most often. 4000K -5000K is my own
personal preference. But it is slightly yellow.
If you are planning a multible bulb set up, you can add 4000-5000K
bulb for 2-4 bulbs and 1-2 Bluer higher temp bulbs for the nicest
balance for the eye and the plants.

I've had Discus in very high light tanks(4+gal). They did not act
differently, they seemed to like it, they came out and swam all over.
They had plenty of hiding spots and did their own thing.

Either way, with 4-6 bulbs, you should do fine. You'll want to get
some nutrients for the tank besides traces only. Some K+, like K2SO4
would certainly help.
Great reflectors are worth every pound(or are you folks getting
euro'ed yet?).

If you are using soft water/RO etc, check the NO3/PO4. If low, plan on
getting some KNO3/KH2PO4 etc to raise the NO3/PO4 to good levels for
the plants(roughly 5-10ppm of NO3 and 0.4-1.0ppm of PO4). Do not over
stock/ovwer feed the tank!! 6-7 adults fully grown would be the max
number I'd keep. The waste product that causes algae is not the
PO4/NO3, it's the NH4. The filter/plants can only remove so much
before the algae sense the NH4 building up, and it does not take much
and you go an algae bloom.
Keeping the fish loads/feedings reasonable will insure a better long
term health of the fish and the tank.
Healthy plants/no algae= healthy fish.
Take care of the plants, they will give the same in return for the
fish.

Let me know if you want the links to get the KNO3/KH2PO4/K2SO4 in the
UK.
Regards,
Tom Barr