Any advantage to upgrading lighting?

[Guest]

I am using the stock lighting that came with my 55g tank. Its two 18" single strip Eclipse "Natural Daylight" flouresent bulbs, one on each side of the tank. Since I have platic plants, is there any advantage to upgrading? Will just new bulbs do anything, or would I need a completely new fixture/hood?

 

[Jchillin]

You wouldn't need to do anything with your lighting unless you were going with live plants. Although you are under 1wpg, this has no effect on your inhabitants.

 

[Guest]

What about for bringing out the best colors of my fish?

 

[Jchillin]

Good question. Since your neons are the most color dominate in the tank, I would try at least 6700k.

This link is the best I've come across when describing lights...give it a look:

http://www.aquarium-lighting-guide.com/aquarium_lighting_guide

You can find most CF or PC at Bigalsonline. Much cheaper than LFS, if they even carry them.

 

[Guest]

Are we talking a replacement bulb or a whole new hood? Thanks so much for the help Chillin!

 

[Jchillin]

Just the bulbs...they are compatible with your current light strip.

 

[SerLunchbox]

Well, why not get a 36" PC strip light (1 or 2 bulbs doesn't matter) ... i personally have one from Coralife and it has 1 10,000K bulb and 1 actinic bulb ... talk about a BOOM in colouration!!!!

 

[mentallylost]

I went with a Coralife 50/50 bulb on my 80 gallon tank. Not only did the bulb bring out the colors of my fish, but it made the tank as a whole much more pleasing to look at. The tank is no more overly bright.

I don't really know if the light had anything to do with it, but within a month or so after the bulb change, my Neo. Pulcher Daffodil's started spawning like crazy. Spawn after spawn after spawn.

 

[Guest]

Can I get a link for a standard size 55g tank (48" x 13"). Or, just either replacement light hoods (2x 22") or bulbs would be even better.

 

[mentallylost]

I use a 48" bulb. But here is a link for yours

http://thatpetplace.com/Products/KW...pact/T1/F55+0047+0678/EDP/25042/Itemdy00.aspx

 

[Guest]

I measured my bulbs and they are barely 18", won't a 21" bulb be way too long?

 

[mentallylost]

Sorry, wrong size...
these are 18"

http://thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/50/50/Class//T1/F55+0047+0102/EDP/2916/Itemdy00.aspx

 

[Guest]

Thanks Mentallylost! Karma your way. Unless I hear otherwise, I'm going to go ahead and order two.

 

[Guest]

I just want to confirm that I can just pop these bulbs right into my current fixture (2 24" All-Glass Aquarium Hoods) and nothing is going to overheat or fry. Right?

 

[Jchillin]

Yep...twin pin set up.

Gosh, I wish I could use them.

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone, I'm going to order! I hope I can tell the difference.

 

[Guest]

Sorry, wrong size...
these are 18"

http://thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/50/50/Class//T1/F55+0047+0102/EDP/2916/Itemdy00.aspx

I just realized that these are "without reflector". What exactly does that mean? They also make a "with relector" model. My current bulbs do not have a reflector, they are just standard flouresents in a white plastic housing. Did I order the wrong ones

 

[greenmaji]

I think there refereing to the fact that there is not a built in reflector in the bulb.. the reflector in your hood should do you just fine! good luck!

 

[Guest]

Nope, I got the wrong bulbs. Just got off the phone with customer service.

 

[Jchillin]

What was the problem Tony? Wrong size?