Fish Addict

Hey, I've had a few posts, but pretty much, I'm trying to upgrade the wattage of my lights, since I want to get more plants. Right now I have a bit more than 1 WPG. I found out I can't retrofit an Eclipse hood, so I'm going to have to saw off my lights and get some new ones, and keep the filter, since it works well.
I found this lighting fixture that I think would work. My tank is 30 long, and about 8.5 inches from the front to the filter. Do you think this would work, or is there a better option?

Here's the link: http://www.jtdiscountstore.com/servl...T-2x65W/Detail


If no one says I shouldn't get it, I'll probably buy it in a few days...
Thanks!!

dvc_r

That's a good light but I think you can get a similar one for a lot less. I have the Single Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures on my 55 gal and it works great. Yours is 30 x 8.5, so roughly 25 gals? If you figure 2.5 watts per gal you'd be perfect with the Satellite Compact:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...8&pcatid=11418

The lunar light is a small white light rather than the blue ones (most people like the blue) I have a 55 gal next to a 75 gal; one has the white and the other has the blue, and I like the white better because it likes more natural. The water from the filter make the soft white glow and "shimmer".

Good luck

dvc_r

Me again:

I just looked at your profile and your tank is 39 Gal? If that's correct then it must be 35 inches high? If that's the case you will need more than 2.5 watts per gal. That may be a little too deep for the light to reach.

Fish Addict

Thanks, but my tank is actually about 40 gallons, so that would be just a bit more than 1.5 wpg...

Thanks though!

Fish Addict

Hey! you posted at the same time as me!

Fish Addict

Yeah, I never thought about that, though the one I found would give 3.25 wpg...

Fish Addict

Can someone please read this, because I'd want to order it today!

Fla_Larry

the lights you have linked to will certianly do it, but you can accomplish the task for far less, unless you desire to NOT get into a bit of DIY.

However that aside, there are other concerns you will have when you break over the 2WPG threshold, Plant types, Co2 method, Dosing, water movement and changes, do you plan on doing EI, do you have a Co2 source yet, type of substrate you have or plan on.
and oddly enough Filter type playes a role as well

Not an expert here just have asked the same stuff on many other forums of their experts and done a S***load of research.