Lighting Question

[Brambler]

I'm currently in the process of setting up my first tank, it's an All-Glass 36g Bow Front and I would like to have it moderately planted when all is said and done.

The hood (http://www.all-glass.com/products/hoods/fhdeluxe.shtml) that came with it has a 30" light fixure that fits a single 24" flourescent bulb (came with a 15w bulb) and I'm guessing this is far from sufficient as I've seen 1-2w per gallon listed as the minimum for low light planted tanks. Since I can't seem to find a flourescent bulb that size that even comes close to the needed wattage I was thinking I might need a better lighting fixture. The "High Output Compact" (http://www.all-glass.com/products/hoods/hostriplites.shtml) strip light w/ 9325k 55w bulb seems to the best choice available from All-Glass ($67.99 for the 30" fixture from BigAls.com). Would this be about what I'm looking for? Or is there some kind of bulb that could fit in the fixture I have that could take care of my lighting needs? Also, anyone have experience with All-Glass high output fixtures? Wondering if it will fit nicely onto the All-Glass hood I have in place of the original fixture, since the website doesn't seem to list measurements anywhere.

[falcon]

I have the same problem. Bought 120g with a hood and four strip lights that only gave me 80 watts in total. I returned it to the store and I am waiting for a replacement. I purchased Aqualight power compact fixtures made by coralife, very nice looking. I bought 2x30"(4x65W). This will give me a bit over 2wpg. There is a fixture that is 36" long that will fit your aquarium and it has 1-96W bulb. This will give you about 2.7wpg which is plenty. Check it out, Big Al's have them for $90USD. The only thing, you will have to replace the bult as the one supplied is 50/50 and it's not ideal for plants. I would buy a 6700K. That's what I had to do with mine. They also sell supporting legs that will lift the fixture an inch or so for few dollars.

If you want to keep your existing fixture, you can purchase 96w retrofit from ahsupply.com for $60USD plus the bulb.

I hope this helps.