Lighting for 180 Gal

[Yipeio]

I know some of you will think I'm nuts, but.... I have a 180 Gallon 6 foot freshwater / fish ony tank that has been running great for over a year. I have a simple, basic flourescent fixture (2 x 36") sitting diagonally in the canopy on top of the tank. The fixture is nice, but it doesn't throw much light off and kind of underwhelms my otherwise beautiful tank.

I don't need to get too crazy but would love to do somthing to put a little light on it and give it a little more pop! I would greatly appreciate any guidance the experts could provide on this subject. I am a pretty handy guy and have no problem doing a retrofit in the canopy, even a DYI if it makes sense.
Thanks

 

[neilanh]

Welcome to AA!

Yeah, sounds like you could use a little more light - just don't go too much or you'll cause yourself algae issues.

There's lots of different options available to you, what kind of budget are you trying to meet?

 

[Yipeio]

I don't have any idea what is a reasonable amount but would $300 - 500 get the job done?

 

[BigJim]

If you're not looking to grow plants, I think you could get decent lighting for a lot less than $300. Start by looking at shop lights in your local DIY center. With a 6ft tank, I think I'd get either two 48" 1-bulb T8 fluorescent or two 48" 2-bulb T8 fluorescent fixtures and overlap them a foot in the middle of the tank. I suggest 4' bulbs because 4' T8 bulbs are easier to get that 3' bulbs by me.

 

[mfdrookie516]

i think two of these would get the job done for you... a 6' light is RIDICULOUSLY expensive, especially for a fish only tank...

 

[Laurence]

You can buy 60-inch aquarium lights on the internet - just search for aquarium hoods and lights and you will find a variety of items. A 60-inch with 3 or 4 bulbs will probably be sufficient. As previously stated, too strong a light will encourage algae growth, so don't over-light. Also, your local tropical fish store will probably have a a selection of lights and hoods.