Kevin

right now, i have a 17w flourescent strip on my 29 gal.
i have hornwort, moneywort, and watersprite in there, and would like to add some other low-light stuff
in the next couple of weeks, i will probably be ordering from DFS or thatpetplace
does anyone have any recommendations fora new bulb...i would like to have around 1.5 w per gal.
also, lets try to keep the price under $25-30

thanks!

atmmachine816

You can only get certain watt bulbs for certain size fixtures. So if you have a 17w bulb chances are you can't get a higher watt bulb. You could if you have a glass top buy another strip light to increase the wattage. Moneywort isn't exactly a low light plant either, it may die from lack of light.

sirdarksol

Sorry, I'm not going to be able to match your price requirements, but I'm in the same boat with you with regards to lighting/funding, so I've done some looking. What follows are some of the more cost-effective options.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...8&pcatid=11418
Advantage: They also have a lunar light, which allows you to see the fish at night, and provides a more natural home for them.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...2&pcatid=11382
Advantage: Cheap, compact.
Disadvantage: Odd width/length

Kevin

aren't there any bulbs for a strip light around 25-40 watts?

i dont want a whole new fixture...

atmmachine816

yes but to get the larger watt bulbs you need a larger fixture. Bulbs come in certain wattage for certain length. you can only get a certain watt bulb for your size fixture.

Kevin

so whats the max for a 24 in fixture?

sirdarksol

Not sure what the size (T followed by a number) of a regular 24" bulb is, but the highest wattage I have found is 20.
Sorry I can't be of more help.

Kevin

you're fine, i'm just learning about the whole lighting thing...at least you know something

sirdarksol

Eh, I don't know much. Actually, this stuff kind of perplexes me. I just go to Drs Foster and Smith and see what they have available for the aquarium lengths I am looking for.
I'll be going with the first one I listed above when I have to change the bulbs in any of my tanks. I'll just replace the entire fixture.