Light Bulb Help!

[rlcwgrl]

In our new 150 gal it came with one Marineland Eclipse 48" Natural Daylight bulb F40T10 which is a 40 watt I gather. This bulb seems to be superbright and glows, I think a little too much, especially for only one bulb on this huge tank. You can see every little particle in the water. Check out the picture.

I was thinking about replacing the bulb to slightly dim the tank without jeopardizing the fish. The fish in the tank are a Red Oscar, Jack Dempsey, 3 Jewel Cichlids, Pleco and Featherfin Catfish. There are no live plants, only plastic. What about a Coralife 50/50 which is 50% natural Daylight, 50% actinic 03 blue?

I know nothing about lighting and the LFS help is crap. When I research it online all I find is info for planted tanks and reefs....what about simple freshwater w/o plants??? Any suggestions?

[ImAGMan]

You can pull 130watts with this.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11418&N=2004+113345

It's a 50/50 2 65 watt bulbs. with the 48"

Also has a "night light"

The Daylight gives your tank a nice blue glow, Not bright at all, I have this same one.

[Mgamer20o0]

standard T12 bulb. go to home depot lowes or somewhere and look for a cool white. maybe that will give you the look you want.

[Madcrawdad]

Go with the GE 9325K Aqua Rays bulb.... IMO this bulb has the best color out there (not overly bright, and not greenish like some bulbs)... here's a link thanks to rexgrigg.com

http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/PROD/Aquarium/F40T12-AR-FS

you'll love this bulb.....(you'd think I had stock in GE as I've told so many folks to buy this bulb) :)

[Mgamer20o0]

You can pull 130watts with this.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11418&N=2004+113345

It's a 50/50 2 65 watt bulbs. with the 48"

Also has a "night light"

The Daylight gives your tank a nice blue glow, Not bright at all, I have this same one.


Go with the GE 9325K Aqua Rays bulb.... IMO this bulb has the best color out there (not overly bright, and not greenish like some bulbs)... here's a link thanks to rexgrigg.com

http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/PROD/Aquarium/F40T12-AR-FS

you'll love this bulb.....(you'd think I had stock in GE as I've told so many folks to buy this bulb) :)

great ideas but i think they are looking for less light.

[Madcrawdad]

great ideas but i think they are looking for less light.

the GE 9325K Aqua Rays in the link is only 40w, which is the same as they'd find in a standard cool white tube (I wouldn't think you'd want to go any lower over a 150g)... That's the great thing about the GE 9325, it comes in many sizes to fit any hood size or budget....did I mention that I LOVE this bulb? :)

[Mgamer20o0]

me didnt click the link lol.

on i side note.
what kind of filtration do you have? there shouldnt be particle in the water if you the right filtration. think about adding floss in the filter maybe another filter to help get the stuff out of the water.

[rlcwgrl]

I do agree that being this bright creates a pretty blue effect, and I do like bright tanks rather than dreary. But it seems to wash out the color of the fish. I will check out those options, thanks!

[ftf1101]

totally off the topic, but thats a 150 gal? the pic makes it look deceivingly small

[Mgamer20o0]

looks like a 150 tall.

[rlcwgrl]

It is a 150-high dimensions 48" L x 24" D x 30" H. The Oscar is 12 inches, does that give more perspective?

[rlcwgrl]

I bought a ZooMed 36watt 48" 50/50 bulb from LFS recommendation and it is perfect. 50% daylight and 50% actinic. The lighting dimmed a little like I was hoping and now the colors in our Oscar and 3 Jewels pop out!