quandry on lighting

[wolf13]

well, I am going to be blowing the bank account this weekend and do a bunch of ordering to get my tank going. anyway I am looking at AH-supply's hoods and for a 30g (will be planted), they seem to reccomend only one or two 55's since the 36's don't run the whole length.

my problem is while even though I will be doing CO2, and while I am fully capable technically of setting up a pressurized system, I don't have the space or inclination to go that route right now so will be doing a DIY. So, my concern is with two 55's I'll be pushing 3.7 w/g with only one I am at 1.8 w/g. Is a small DIY system going to even remotly be capable of keeping up? Or, are they being conservitive on the effect of the 2x36's on a 30g and I should just go that route even though the ends might not get as much light?

Aso, With one of these systems, it seems your goign to be running a lot of bright light. I'd also like something for night/dark viewing. those lunar lights big al's sells, are they any good? or what should a use for a night illumination?

[GirlieGirl8521]

I'm not DIY savvy, but could you possibly stagger the 36w bulbs in the hood? So that you'd have coverage at each end of the tank.... I'm not sure if thats possible, so forgive me if its not. ;)

If thats not possible, I think you should go with just the one 55w bulb. Usually 55w ballasts will also power 65w bulbs, so that would boost your wattage up a tad, if the 55w didn't seem to cut it. I've heard alot of good things about the AH reflectors though, so you'll probably find that the 1x55w will be fine for your tank. I don't think DIY CO2 is enough for 110w of light, but thats just my opinion.

Sorry, I can't advise on the lunar lights.

[Mgamer20o0]

yes you can get the diy co2 to out put the the co2 needed. you could also add 2 or 3 of them together. there are paintball co2 systems that are great for smaller tanks.