Hey guys,

Just popping in for a quick question.
I was able to have both of my tanks at school wih no problems, things went smoothly, which I am pumped about. Getting ready to take them home for Summer Break, but that is not what I wanted to talk about.

At school my roommate next year likes to have the blinds shut often and the light in the room on only when we are in the room (save electricity, even though we don't pay for it)

I fear my goldies wont get the amount of light they are used to.
This leads to my question:

I currently only have the standard lighting that comes with most tanks
17W on my 39 gallon tank.

I want to get them a better light. I really don't know what is good and what is not.
I also thinking of maybe trying live plants in the near future, so suggestions for lights would be With and Without Lights in mind.

Thanks tons guys!!

Well plants wont make it with out lights about 4 watts per gal, so with the situation that you will be in it wont work

As for the no lights on during the day for the time period not in the room, you could get a night light for him and them make sure you have the light on when your there or your room mate. I would maybe think of a timer if you know when you or your room mate will be there, this way you wont have to rely on your room mate to turn on the light for you

Oh I wrote my original post like at 230 in the morning after finishing a paper, so let me clarify:
The Tank lights for my fish will always be on at least 9 hours a day.
Also currently in my room this year we keep our room light on all the time besides when we go to sleep, so they get that light and the natural light from the window along with their tank light, but next year they will get minimum of both room light and window light, but we will still get at least 9 hours of tank light.

I hope this clears things up.

Brandon

So your looking for ideas for a planted tank?

Yea. Plants that are not to high maintance because with school I have time to do water changes one every 3 days, but I don't think I will have enough time for plants that are tough to keep alive.

Brand name suggestions on lights would be amazing also. Lights confuse me whenever I look at them. Not sure what I need.

With the lights you have the easiest plant to deal with is the Anubis. It wont take any more light than you have and doesn't ask much at all except something like a log or rock that is porous to hold on to

Exellent. Finals are next week and than I am home for break. I will head to Pe*** and grab some Anubis than after fnals. If they go well I will upgrade.

There great plants. I have had them for so long and dont do anything for them. One I got was on a little log and was only about 3" tall now after 2 years its 4" tall, they dont grow much but you dont need to do anything. Also if really happy they will bloom in the tank looks like a Tulip

I am really excited.
Are there any low maintance plants that my goldies would like to snack on?

Not with the light level you have hun, you could try the java moss or Anacharis plant but they might not live to long

What kind of lights would I need for java moss or Anaharis plant?

Atleast 3-4watts per gal so you would need compact lighting Not a cheep thing. you would need around a 156 watt light.....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=13733

this is a a simple list from dr.fostersmith.com

I will keep this in mind.
My summer earnings will go towards books and spring break trip with the track team, but I should have a fair share of money left over, so I am def. going to keep this in mind


Thanks for all your help

Anytime. I know doing a planted tank is hard but its also rewarding too