Lighting Question

[Myka]

Yes, he would definitely need some low-light fast growing plants (like Hygros) to out compete the algae, but that's not going to fix overpowering lights. Of course we don't actually know how big his tank is, being 30" deep it may be a fairly large tank in which case the 2xT5HO would probably be ok. Don't ever forget the fast growing plants though...unless you're experienced because it's quite a challenge to keep a planted tank algae-free with only slow growers.

It's all about keeping the balance between nutrients, light, and CO2. If he has low light, then he needs low CO2 and low nutrients. Although I have to find an amount of CO2 that is too much (within reason and during the photoperiod). I can say that EVERY time I have battled algae of one kind or another it has ALWAYS been CO2 too low in comparison to the light and nutrients, which can be as simple as having poor water flow to distribute the CO2.

[BlueAbyss]

Originally Posted by PuffLuv

It definitely depends on what plants you want to keep. For plants that aren't very light-demanding (java, crypt, anubias, water sprite, etc.), I'd recommend a double T5HO (~3W/gal). However if you plan on keeping some cabomba, pennywort, cress, swords, etc., I would get at least a 4-bulb T5HO(~6W/gal) and use CO2 if you want them to thrive.

+1. I've found even some of the easy plants (cabomba, hygrophila, etc.) need the extra light to do well... I wouldn't do another planted tank without at least a pair of T5HOs over it. Algae problems aside, T8s just don't have the output for high light plants (IMO, any NO fluorescent will not be enough for a good planted tank, unless you're planting with mosses and ferns).