jjdaugh

I just got a 55 gallon aquarium that is 48" x 12.5" with two canopies on top. Each canopy has a single 18" 15 watt bulb. From everything I have read, this is WAY too low for live plants.

It is hard to find higher wattage 18" bulbs. Do I need to upgrade my existing lights?

I did find some Actinic 30W bulbs, but I read on another thread they can be plant killers. http://anythingsaltwater.com/18-vho-...03-p-1056.html

What are my options? Give it to me straight DOC. Thanks.

Jim

Wolfgang8810

actinic bulbs are mostly for SW aquariums. You would be better off buying a 48'' fixture if you are planning to do a planted tank.

David C

I had the same problem with the 18" bulbs on my 55gal and had to upgrade. I went with the http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=16770 which came recommended to me. Only problem is they're only about 2wpg, not good enough for the "good" plants but they've worked fine for me so far. I just selected plants to match the wattage.

jjdaugh

One thing I dont understand as a noob, is how a single light fixture gets over the middle support bar of the tank.

Wolfgang8810

it dosent matter a whole lot.

David C

the fixtures have little legs on the sides that lift it above the bar and the glass tops. i wondered the same thing when i ordered mine