Chichlid Lighting

[TriggerHappy]

I have a question and an issue that I need help with. I have a 50 gallon tank that houses 2 Chichlids. I currently have a 46" 50/50 Actinic lighting for this tank. First, is this the best type of light for them or what is recommended?

Second, the problem I am having is that the ballast on the light (in-line with the power wire, large brick type) is getting extremely hot and causes the light to shut off. Is there a way to repair this or should I just get a whole new lighting assembly altogether? What type should I get? LED, Fluorescent, Etc.

Thanks.

 

[DannyLeaike]

I currently have a flouresent light setup in my tank and my cichlids do not seemed bothered by it. I prefer flouresents to be honest, they tend to last a long time before having to buy another bulb

 

[cichlidmania26]

Hey there,
I got a lot of cichlid tanks and I use 50/50 t5 lighting and compact flurosent.
Oh ya put a fan on the ballast it needs to be cooled.

 

[eyring2210]

You could try these LED panels. 15W 225 Blue+WHITE LED Aquarium&Plant Grow Light Panel - eBay (item 260725351171 end time Jan-23-11 15:05:28 PST)

I have one and it gives a neat deep water (blueish) coloring.

 

[mfdrookie516]

I have two bulbs over my 150g mbuna tank. I rarely turn them on. One is a 10,000k, the other is an actinic. The blue really makes the colors of the fish stand out.