Lights across the visible spectrum **Update**

[Jchillin]

Jchill, please pardon my distaste for the blue gravel, I really can't help myself!

Ahhh...I found someone willing to make that statement. To be honest, that isn't exactly what I intended. The gravel is Estes Blue/Green. In looking at it online and in package, the green stood out more. Unfortunately, forgot about blue being a dominant color and viola...bright blue! Wife picked it out BTW...peace in the home and all that. I kinda like it nevertheless.

...ummm, errr.... Let me rephrase that, please tell me that will not be the result!

Let me say unequivocally (sp?)...it will not and did not happen and I can prove it.

 

[Jchillin]

Ok...I'm an idiot. I finally did the monthly maintenance on the tank. Figured I may as well check the lights. Lo and behold...both were 32w reg. flourescents, not 40w as I had thought (long story here but I had 3 different light hoods from different companies).

I went out today and got two 40w (18K) flourescents and the effect is stunning to say the least. The wife is very happy.

 

[travis simonson]

Excellent news Sounds like it was a matter of getting the right color of lights. I was getting ready to suggest getting a vehicle window tint kit if things got desperate

 

[Jchillin]

LOL...yeah..that was my next choice. Day 2 and she loves it now. Issue settled. Now let's see what the response is when I tell her she has to maintain the plants like she does her own.

 

[Jchillin]

I think the difference is quite visible.

Before

After:

I believe it is a marked improvement.

 

[Fluff]

I agree. Looks great Jc.

 

[travis simonson]

Very nice Boy I'll be that substrate really kicks off a lot of extra light. I'm used to black Eco-Complete and never really considered that it might be advantageous to have a somewhat reflective substrate to increase light levels.

 

[Jchillin]

Actually, the gravel was added without any thought of adding or contributing to reflective lighting. Just may have stumbled onto something here.

 

[TankGirl]

The tank looks great, Bill - you da Man!