Lighting Questions

[Malachite]

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

[Swimfins]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4344768249&ssPageName=STRK:MEAFB:IT

I got this on ebay.com I'm in Canada, it cost me 180.00 with shipping and duty. Here they sell for 300 before taxes and shipping. Shop around.

You can try Aquabid.com as well.

[Blinky]

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.

[Malachite]

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.


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/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11425&Ntt=canopy&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2004&Nty=1

[Blinky]

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.

[Malachite]

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.

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.

[Kabong]

No need to go go bid bucks unless you want to grow your plants (fish dont really care about light)
Check out here Aquatraders (http://aquatraders.com) Low Low prices!

[slipknottin]

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. :D

[Malachite]

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. :D

: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.