90 Gal Aquarium, how do i switch to a light that i can grow plants for my fish?

Question

I have a 90 gal aquarium with Oscars and Jack Dempseys in. I want to start growing plants. But i don't know if I can just go to a hardware store and buy any fluorescent gro light, or if I need something else.

Answer 1

I don' t think there is anything prettier than a well planted aquarium. As for the lighting, the only way to really get the wattage you need to have good, healthy plants is with power compact lights. You need a minimum of 2 watts per gallon (so you need at least 180 watts) and regular fluorescent bulbs can't get you even close. Some of the slower growing plants will do OK at about 1 wpg but you are limited.

I ordered my first lights from bigalsonline.com but have since found that hellolights.com has better prices (or did the last time I bought about a year ago. Both of those links are below. You will definitely do better ordering them online. Stores generally will be 40 to 60 percent higher than online.

The other link below is the site I bought ll the plants for my 75 gallon from. The plants were in great shape when they arrived and the prices seemed to be as good as any site I found. You can also see a little profile on each plant with it's requirements and ease of care. And beware of plants that some places sell as aquatic plants that really aren't. As a general rule, any plants with varigated leaves will not live for long in water. Good luck.

Answer 2

go to your local petstore and they should have at least one type if not a selection of aquatic grow bulbs which also help to enhance the color of your fish. make sure you change you bulbs every 6 to 8 months. just be aware oscars and jacks are netorious for redecorating their tank and probally will try and up root your plants.