38 gal freshwater planted. lighting help.

[PeterB]

Hello all,

So I have a 38 gallon Planted tank.
Curently I am using 2 "lightning rod" T6 30W 36" Aqua Flora Plus tubes.

I am looking to upgrade this lighting system and i have two fixtures in mind, and i'm hoping that someone can help me make the right choice.

Choice 1 - Coralife Freshwater Aqualight- 36" Power Compact Light-1 x 96W
http://www.bigalsonline.ca/catalog/product.xml?product_id=29551;category_id=1875

Choice 2 - TEK LIGHT T5 High Output Fluorescent Lighting Fixture, 36" / 4 lamps
http://www.specialty-lights.com/960015.html

So any suggestions and help is greatly appreciated.

 

[czcz]

Welcome to AA, Peter!

Of the two, I think Choice 1 is much better. Halving Choice 2's output is still serious light. Post your tank dimensions and we can help quantify the difference and what's best for your tank. Good read: http://woo.gotdns.com/Aquarium/Lighting.htm

 

[PeterB]

Hi, thanks.

My tank specs are.

38 gal FW planted
Rena Filstar Xp2
2 X 30W Aqua Flora Plus
Powerhead 402 w/ rotating hydor bioflo
Eco complete substrate
DIY co2

 

[czcz]

Its a very good setup. I'm still inclined to suggest the Coralife, especially if you can squeeze in a T6 later if you want higher light. What do you want to grow? What is the LxWxD of your tank? CO2 ppm?

Suggest you search for rich311K's posts on DIY CO2 for his high light 36gallon.