jcarlilesiu
Aquarium Advice Addict
Hey everyone, just need some advice/opinions.
I have an existing well established 56 gallon (24" deep) planted tank with pressurized CO2. Recently, my current-usa satelite fixture ballast must of taken a vacation because one of the 2 lights isn't coming on. I tried different bulbs, no go.
Anyway, I have been wanting to upgrade the fixture for some time anyway because I dont' feel that this type of light has the ability to penetrate the water to supply enough light to my smaller plants. (my dwarf sag grows taller than wanted).
I have been looking for a HQI metal halide AND compact flourescent fixture. I like the way the water shimmers with the metal halide, but I am not sure that lighting is right for the freshwater planted tank. Thus, I have been looking for one with the compact flourescent as well. The lunar lights would be a nice touch as well.
Problem is, I can't find a light with all of this at 30". I have been able to find a 30" current-usa fixture with just the single metal halide in the center, but my tank also has the center brace which worries me. Will it impact the fixtures ability to spread light across the center of the aquarium like the longer compact flourescents does?
Anyway, your input/opinions are very welcome. I need to pick this light up this weekend for sure because the plants are going to start suffering soon with only one 65W CF bulb burning.
I have an existing well established 56 gallon (24" deep) planted tank with pressurized CO2. Recently, my current-usa satelite fixture ballast must of taken a vacation because one of the 2 lights isn't coming on. I tried different bulbs, no go.
Anyway, I have been wanting to upgrade the fixture for some time anyway because I dont' feel that this type of light has the ability to penetrate the water to supply enough light to my smaller plants. (my dwarf sag grows taller than wanted).
I have been looking for a HQI metal halide AND compact flourescent fixture. I like the way the water shimmers with the metal halide, but I am not sure that lighting is right for the freshwater planted tank. Thus, I have been looking for one with the compact flourescent as well. The lunar lights would be a nice touch as well.
Problem is, I can't find a light with all of this at 30". I have been able to find a 30" current-usa fixture with just the single metal halide in the center, but my tank also has the center brace which worries me. Will it impact the fixtures ability to spread light across the center of the aquarium like the longer compact flourescents does?
Anyway, your input/opinions are very welcome. I need to pick this light up this weekend for sure because the plants are going to start suffering soon with only one 65W CF bulb burning.