High-tech/Low-tech

[newtchaplin]

I don't really know what that means?  For a low-tech setup what kind of lighting is best?

[exv152]

You can use the watts per gallon rule (WPG) with low tech. Ideally you want to measure PAR and go by that, but practically it's easier to just do the wpg. I would suggest nothing more than 2 wpg, ideally 1.5 wpg of fluorescent lighting (not incandescent, metal halide, LED, etc). With T5HO's you can reduce it to 1-1.2 wpg, and have your lighting running on average 8hrs per day, then fertilize once a week only.

[fischkopp]

Low tech / high tech is a kinda silly term to emphasize that some setups cost more than others. It's not really a good way to describe a planted tank, imo. Better is to start of with light conditions low/mid/high, or even better the theme you are going for.

That said, best way to start a "low-tech" setup is to use screw-in CF bulbs and DIY CO2.

[newtchaplin]

I am setting up my 75 and I want to grow these plants,

Red Flame Sword
Red Polysperma
Ludwigia Repens
red wendtii crypt
amazon sword
pennywort
Alternanthera reineckii 'Purple'
Anubis
Java fern
jungle valis

What would be the best T8 bulbs to get for these plants to flourish.?

[fischkopp]

I would use T5HO on a 75gal, T8 is pretty much outdated and doesn't have the intensity. Also, any reddish plant requires A LOT of light intensity to grow and bring out the colour. You would be looking at 4x 54W 48" bulbs to achieve that. However, you would also require a CO2 setup.

[newtchaplin]

Okay T5 is stupidly expensive, but I do have a T8 48" double bulbs florescent light.  No bulbs right now but would full spectrum daylight work well?  For the planted 40 I posted pictures of I use 2 T8. I can do without red plants except for the flame sword.

[exv152]

Okay T5 is stupidly expensive, but I do have a T8 48" double bulbs florescent light.  No bulbs right now but would full spectrum daylight work well?  For the planted 40 I posted pictures of I use 2 T8. I can do without red plants except for the flame sword.

Two full spectrum daylight T8 bulbs will work fine. If you have really good reflectors on the fixture it would be even better.