Lighting Improvement

[jgulecas]

I currently have a 2x55W All-Glass PCF hood over my 75g, with n glass versa-top. It uses straight pin GE 9325K bulbs.

It's a very good light, but to really grow plants, I now know I need to double my lighting, at least.

I like the fact that my current unit doesn't get too hot, even without a fan, and I like the coloration it gives to my fish.

Here are my options as I see them:

1. Keep what I have and be content with low light plants.

2. Keep the hood I have now and buy something else to add on. Maybe another identical 2X55. Pros: I know I like the light. Cons: 2 units are kind of ugly and cumbersome, particularly with the power cord placement. I would also have to take one off to get into the tank.

3. Buy something like a Coralife 4x65 Aqualight. I like the one they have that also has a lunar light. Could I use my existing bulbs to replace the 2 actinics this unit comes with? Are all straight pins interchangeable? Can you use 55K bulbs with a 65K ballast?

4. Go DIY and buy 4x65W from AH Supply. Same question relating to interchangeability applies.

I do not currently have CO2 but am looking into that as well.

Any advice you have would be helpful.

Thanks!

[djlen]

I use 65 watt tubes in my AH Supply "2 X 55" kit with no issues whatsoever.
IMO the way to go would be to buy the AH kit, but get the tubes elsewhere. I love AH in every way, but have gotten much longer service out of my Hello Lights tubes.

As to the CO2. If you increase your wattage as much as you anticipate you will need to start pushing a ton of plants very quickly to compensate, IMO.

Len