How to get more Watts/gallon

[JamesMJ2]

I have on the way to me a CustomSeaLife PC fixture, 96watts, and 8800K.
Problem is thats only a little over 2 watts/gallon. Which is considered low level lighting. I want to grow Anachris,Cabomba,micro-sword, and I have three Amazon Swords already. How do I get more watts/gallon? I think PC fixtures top out at 96watts. MH is just too expensive. VHO and HO are usually huge fixtures(tank is 36' across)

 

[angelstiger]

Here is a 192 (2X96) watt 36" fixture for $149 + $20 shipping. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2349034775&category=3212

 

[MT79]

there is a 24 inch VHO setup w/ ballast for 145.00, plus bulbs (18-24 dollars each) www.hellolights.com The ballast will power upto 440 watts, 16 feet of bulb, and 2,3 or 4, bulbs total. W/ some DIY.

 

[MT79]

The VHO setup comes w/ a 2x24" (75 watt each,150 watts total)fixture for 145.00 www.hellolights.com

 

[fishfreek]

No problem going with a dual PC 96W fixture. That would double our intensity. I think you will be impressed with the output of the single PC bulb.

 

[JamesMJ2]

Cool, Thanks Guys. Well what I would like to see if a CustomSeaLife fixture with two PC lamps, but I don't think they make one. I had a Coralife, and I wasn't impressed with the quality, and didn't like th placement of the reflector. At least I know now that there are PC's that can get more watts then 96. I take that back CustomSeaLife makes a couple different hoods with more then one bulb, they are very very expensive though. BigAl's had the one I wanted for $400.00 :x

 

[JamesMJ2]

I should mention one more thing. The light I have ordered is not for my 20gal tank, It's for the bigger 46gal tank. Thats why I was concerned about having enough watts, My swords that are in my tank now are struggling, and I had a 65watt PC lamp on there.

 

[fishfreek]

Im just gonna toss out a few links to some products online.

http://www.hellolights.com/362xcofraq2x.html
SALE $196

2 X 96W PC fixture from Coralife. The fixture is 36" long and has two bulbs.

Another route is to construct a custom canopy yourself and put the bulbs and reflectors in. Those of use in the SW side of the hobby often do this.

http://www.ahsupply.com/96watt.htm

2 X 96W Light kit (excludes bulbs) $115

The second would require you to build a box to cointain the lights as well as to wire up the ballast to the endcaps and mount the reflectors.