Lighting Questions

Hello all. I just wanted to get some opinions on the lighting for my tank. My setup came with a 75 gallon tank and a single tube 40 Watt flourescent.

My setup is a simple freshwater planted community tank.

I am trying to decide what type of lighting to replace it with. I like the simplicity of flourescent but am not sure what others experiences have been. I also like the idea of a moon light. I am thinking about these two:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=12109&ref=3055&subref=AQ&N=2004+113544

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12105&inm=1&N=2004+113030+2035

Blinky said:

The first fixture comes with an actinic bulb from the looks of it. I'd replace that with something in the 6000K - 10 000K range. I recommend PC lighting over other types - the bulbs last a long time, produce a lot of light, and they're available in lots of colour temperatures to suit your needs/tastes.

I just bought a Satellite fixture from www.current-usa.com, and love it - the only problem is that the moonlight sits directly on the cross-brace of my tank, so I can't use it Other than that, the light is fantastic and I really like that it has a built-in fan - these fixtures produce a lot of heat.

I agree with SF, shop around. There are some good prices on ebay, and online retailers. I saved a lot by buying on ebay and not getting my light at an aquarium store.

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I think my 40W is in the 6K to 10K range. It doesn't specify on the bulb but it claims it is a full spectrum daylight bulb or something like that. The fixture came from perfecto so it is a real low end fixture.

The satellite does look like a good light. I like the mounts for raising the fixture up.

I think I like the PC fixtures. Do they produce as much heat as the halides? I don't mind some heat but I don't want to have to install extra fans under my canopy. The stand and canopy I am using is here:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...ll&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

Blinky said:

Out of curiosity, why would you say Perfecto makes low-end stuff? My 65 tank and stand are from Perfecto, and they're very good quality - much nicer than the Hagen All-Glass setup I used to have.
PC fixtures do create a fair bit of heat, which is why I wanted one with a fan. They're meant to be used over a glass top - the instructions that came with mine specifically said not to install it inside a canopy.
The docking mounts are great if you want an open top, or to reduce heat, but DJLen pointed something out a while ago that makes sense to me: raising the fixture 3-4" off the tank means you lose a lot of the light.

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My tank is Top Fin which I think is also a perfecto company. I wasn't trying to degrade them quality wise. I mainly was referring to the fact that most of their stuff is 'simple' without many features like fans and such. At least I haven't seen a high end light fixture from them yet. Most of the ones I have been able to find are just one bulb and a switch.

Thanks for the 'not under a canopy' info. I'll have to do some researching to see if I can find one that is ok in a canopy. I may find the extra lite isn't worth the noise and hassle of having to install fans and such.

Good point about the light. If I can get one bright enough I wouldn't mind losing a little. I am only shooting for 2Wpg right now. As long as I can get 150W in the tank I'll be happy. One like the dual sattelite was 260W total.

slipknottin said:

Head out to a local home improvement center, and get yourself a 4" dual bulb work light. Put some aquarium bulbs in it, suspend it above your tank, and there you go, a beautiful light for $10.

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:soda:

Already did that in my laundry area at home! My redneck laundry special.

I think I like the Jebo from aquatraders that was listed above. 220W and only $70. If I can find some good reviews and it is compatible with a canopy I may go for it.