Adding lighting...help

[black udder]

I have a bow-faced 40g tank that has a 40w light fixture on it. It would appear that it's a light strip (as opposed to a full enclosure). I would like to add some light to see if it will help the plants but don't know if I should go for another light strip the same as I have (it will fit) or to go for a smaller brighter fixture.

The existing one is 36" and so far would appear to be atypical and more hard to find replacement bulb. Whereas a smaller light might be easier to find bulbs.

Would it be better to cover the whole tank or would a bright light placed - say, in the center of the tank - be sufficient?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[electrikat]

You should look into the new Nova brand of lighting. They are ultra compact and put out huge amounts of light. I think they are called T5's and they run about 30 dollars apiece with bulbs and you can link several together like xmas lights.

 

[black udder]

Thanks! I'll check 'em out.