Elevated Lighting For 46 Gallon Bowfront

Currently, I'm looking to get a light for my 46 gallon (which is a SeaClear acrylic tank)--dimensions 36 x 16.5 x 20 inches. I don't use the light currently that came with it because I'm using the cutouts in the top of the tank to cool the tank with a fan (I have fancy goldfish in the tank). Right now the only light I have is a small 24 inch aquatic life LED light that someone gave me that I set on the front part of the top of the tank in front of the cutouts. I would like to maybe put some hardy plants in there (I'm testing out an anubias right now to see if the fish leave it alone).

I plan to either suspend the light from the ceiling or mount it on an arm attached to the wall. Given the increased height above the tank (also keeping it away from any splash zone), what light would be sufficient to grow low light plants like anubias, java fern, swords, crypts ... plants that goldfish usually leave alone? I guess you could assume it would be around 24-26 inches from the substrate.

I was hoping a Finnex Stingray would be enough light, but I'm not sure. I may need something that is considered more a medium light to give me low light at that height.

 

I have a 46 bowfront too, I was planning on buying the beamswork DA 6500k which will most likely be able to grow low-medium light plants at the bottom.

I’m not sure if the stingray would be good light, but I think Fahn uses that fixture for his 46(I could be wrong).

 

I have a 46 bowfront too, I was planning on buying the beamswork DA 6500k which will most likely be able to grow low-medium light plants at the bottom.

I’m not sure if the stingray would be good light, but I think Fahn uses that fixture for his 46(I could be wrong).

Was a Ray2, very intense light.

 

Okay, thanks. I do want to avoid medium-high light, because I won't be able to put any fast growing plants in the tank since it's for goldfish. I had read up on the Beamswork DA and was afraid the light would be too much for the aquarium.

 

Okay, thanks. I do want to avoid medium-high light, because I won't be able to put any fast growing plants in the tank since it's for goldfish. I had read up on the Beamswork DA and was afraid the light would be too much for the aquarium.

Keep in mind 46B is a pretty deep tank, at 21" (at least mine was). So light intensity may not be an issue with most lighting.

I recommend something like the Fluval 3.0 lights. Completely modifiable with adjustable intensity and color spectrum.

 

Okay, thanks. I do want to avoid medium-high light, because I won't be able to put any fast growing plants in the tank since it's for goldfish. I had read up on the Beamswork DA and was afraid the light would be too much for the aquarium.

I don’t think the beamswork DA would be too much light, well I'm not really an expert on light.

Keep in mind 46B is a pretty deep tank, at 21" (at least mine was). So light intensity may not be an issue with most lighting.

I recommend something like the Fluval 3.0 lights. Completely modifiable with adjustable intensity and color spectrum.

Would the DA 6500k be too much light or too little?

 

Fahn I've thought about the Fluval light. I do like that it is waterproof since I have a partially open top. I do have a fairly deep aquarium (to me). Since I have to access through cutouts in the top (acrylic tank) it's a pain.

I also need to figure out if I'm going to suspend from the ceiling or affix to the wall. I don't want to set the light directly on the top if I don't have to. I hate having to move the light when I'm doing water changes .. on my step stool and ladder.