Better lighting for my Aqueon Bow Front

HI everyone,

I currently have the 16 gallon version of this tank: Bow Front LED Kits - Aquarium Starter Kits | Aqueon Aquarium Products

In my tank, I have some crypts, anacharis, marimo moss balls, and rotala rotundifolia (and dwarf gourami + cories). After a long time wondering why my plants were not really thriving, I've realized that the light that comes with the kit isn't really for plants. I was wondering which would be the best light to change to? Currently it's an Aqueon 18" T8 Day Light Lamp (15W). The aquarium lid has this sort of glass rectangle I could set a light on, or I could buy a fluorescent lamp and screw it in. Any recommendations? I've tried looking but got really overwhelmed with all the different choices.

Thank you!

 

Do you have a pic?

 

Do you have a pic?

I hope this is ok?

 

I would look at brands like Nicrew, Beamswork, Finnex or Fluval. All make decent lights that will grow just about any plant you want. The only catch is you may have to modify your current lid to fit one of those LED lights.

 

So the fixture is on top? I really like that hood. I may want to get one for my 36 bow. I've heard good things about the T5 light. There are a few lights on amazon that have good reviews thah I forgot the names of. I'm sorry that I'm not much help. I will be watching with earnist. Can I get a pic of the underside of the hood?

 

I would look at brands like Nicrew, Beamswork, Finnex or Fluval. All make decent lights that will grow just about any plant you want. The only catch is you may have to modify your current lid to fit one of those LED lights.

Yeah, I've been looking on Amazon and am interested in this one but wasn't sure if it was a good brand! Thanks for the recommendations!

NICREW ClassicLED G2 Aquarium Light, Dimmable Fish Tank Light with 2-Channel Controller, White and Blue LEDs, High Light Output, Size 18 to 24 Inch, 15 Watts: Amazon.ca: Pet Supplies

 

So the fixture is on top? I really like that hood. I may want to get one for my 36 bow. I've heard good things about the T5 light. There are a few lights on amazon that have good reviews thah I forgot the names of. I'm sorry that I'm not much help. I will be watching with earnist. Can I get a pic of the underside of the hood?

Here’s the light, yeah it goes on top of where the glass is


And this is the underside of the hood.


I’m thinking of getting the one I linked in the reply above!

 

So where does the light attach to? I may do the exqct same thing that you ate going to do!

 

I hope this is ok?

View attachment 667961

My 36 gal has the exact same lid, I bought the correct size nicrew light and it works wonderfully.

So where does the light attach to? I may do the exqct same thing that you ate going to do!

it just kind of locks in/sits there. my hood light had a led strip instead of a tube.

 

My 36 gal has the exact same lid, I bought the correct size nicrew light and it works wonderfully.

it just kind of locks in/sits there. my hood light had a led strip instead of a tube.

Can I gae a pic? Does it grow plants well?

 

My 36 gal has the exact same lid, I bought the correct size nicrew light and it works wonderfully.

Looks like I'll get the NICREW one then! Do you have the ClassicLED one, the ClassicLED G2 or the ClassicLED Plus?

 

Hi, what do you mean by not thriving? Even though those lights aren't meant to grow plants they should grow the plants you listed pretty well so I think it may be something else. Excuse me if I'm wrong

 

Can I gae a pic? Does it grow plants well?

The original light only works for low light stuff. The nicrew light is great for medium light things.

 

Looks like I'll get the NICREW one then! Do you have the ClassicLED one, the ClassicLED G2 or the ClassicLED Plus?

I have the classicled g2

 

Hi, what do you mean by not thriving? Even though those lights aren't meant to grow plants they should grow the plants you listed pretty well so I think it may be something else. Excuse me if I'm wrong

I've heard many stories about anacharis being like a weed and growing a lot, but my new side shoots that grow are a lot thinner than the original, and the older leaves seems to be browning (and getting eaten lol). They don't seem to be growing taller either (I've had them for about 2 months).

My rotala are growing but at a really, really slow pace. At first I had a bunch from the lfs but a lot of it died and now I have small stems that aren't really growing. The funny thing is that it seems they're growing even slower than my crypt wendtiI (which are supposed to be slow growing plants I believe?).

Nitrates are usually at 10 ppm, ammonia and nitrites are at 0. I use Seachem Fluorish weekly too.

 

Interesting, my anarchis did grow fast but skinny so I'm not sure.

 

The original light only works for low light stuff. The nicrew light is great for medium light things.

Sorry, I meant can I get a pic of the hood with the upgraded light ?and does the upgraded light grow plants?

 

Interesting, my anarchis did grow fast but skinny so I'm not sure.

I just realized, I got this aquarium "second hand" from my aunt, so it may be that the bulb is too old. I'll probably invest in some LED anyway. Thank you though!

 

Sorry, I meant can I get a pic of the hood with the upgraded light ?and does the upgraded light grow plants?

As requested!

 

As requested!View attachment 668003View attachment 668004View attachment 668005

I am gonna so get that in the near future!

 

I am gonna so get that in the near future!

Are you talking for your rimless 36? If so it won’t work.

 

I just realized, I got this aquarium "second hand" from my aunt, so it may be that the bulb is too old. I'll probably invest in some LED anyway. Thank you though!

After 8 months or do fluorescent lights do start dimming so I think LED will definitly be a good investment

 

Are you talking for your rimless 36? If so it won’t work.

Yes. Why not? From the pic online it looks like it should work.

 

Yes. Why not? From the pic online it looks like it should work.

It sits in the rim, you can not buy a lid that does not Sit in a rI'm to my knowledge. You will have to make one