55g seagrass project

[rekn]

im gonna start up a 55g tank for mainly seagrass. i also like the " kelp on rock" at f&s. i might add some shaving brushes and lettuce algae. both red and green types.



how many watts would i need? i was thinking 250w t5's but would mh be better?

 

[graveyardworm]

T5's should be fine, and will help keep the power bill down and will reduce heat related issues. 250 watts is probably on the high side of whats necessary for a planted tank.

 

[Samala]

Judging by the success of people using T5HO over 55gallons for growing Acropora, I'd hope they would be sufficient for growing seagrasses.

>Sarah

 

[rekn]

so maybe 150 watts?

 

[graveyardworm]

I forget how many watts the 4 foot T5's are, I think like 59 watts. Three or four of those would work great, you may even get away with only using two.

At the moment I have Thallasia growing under 80 watts of NO flourescent light, and its growing quite well even sending up new shoots. Thallasia is considered to be one of the more light demanding seagrasses. Certainly more light would be better.

 

[scapes]

the 4' t5's are 54 watts. I have the fixture over my 55g. 8x54watts

 

[graveyardworm]

Ahh yes 54 watts each, 110 watts of T5 HO should work quite well for seagrasses, If you want to mix in blue bulbs for aesthetics then go with three or 4 bulbs. This will give you more than enough light.

 

[rekn]

for pipefish would a standard hearter be ok? i would be afraid of them getting burned if they touched it tho

 

[graveyardworm]

You might want to consider somehow protecting the pipes from the heater. Although I dont think its going to be a huge concern especially if the heater is in an area of good flow.

 

[rekn]

well i decided to get a 75 instead. it has more ground space to it.


can i mod rename this 75g seagrass build thread?


also another question. are pipefish ok with sun coral?

 

[graveyardworm]

I asked a similar question when I was contemplating placing seahorses in my lagoon, and with a little research found that they would probably be okay.

I think the pipes would be okay as well. My suncoral is good at catching dead stuff and very small live creatures. Live mysis shrimp and amphipods easily get away.