Garrett812

I just had a quick question, and I have searched all over and can't find an answer!

I have a 55 gallon tank and want to get plants. regular 24" bulbs are around 15 watts and 30 watts isn't enough for a planted tank.

Every post I read about people recommend getting new hoods with dual bulbs etc.

Would high-watt bulbs work instead of buying a new hood? I have seen them online with a much higher wattage, so 2 thirty-watt bulbs would take care of my lighting problems, I just noticed nobody has suggested it so I was wondering if there was a reason for that?

fishingman001

What hood do you have now? Two 24"? What brand?

Garrett812

It says say sPerfecto Manufacturing Inc, it just came with the 55 g tank. It takes two 18" bulbs, which are currently 15watts a piece and 30 watts isn't enough for plants.

Kunsthure

You have a T8 bulb, a 1" diameter fluorescent bulb and all fluorescent wattage is totally dependent upon bulb size. It's not like incandescents where the same size bulb can have different size filaments and can have different wattages. You will have to upgrade your lighting in some way, either adding a second fixture, a retrofit kit or buying a new fixture. That's why you don't see people just buying higher wattage fluorescent bulbs. I'll be happy to help you with lighting if you'd like.

-Lisa

Garrett812

well that would be why then! Thanks for your help!