I'm looking for simple answer to a lighting question (if there is one) . The more I read about lighting the more I get confused. The tank that I am asking about is a 55 gallon (standard 4 foot long) and the lighting fixtures are the ones that came with the tank. The fixtures are side by side lengthwise on the tank and each holds an 18 " (i think it's 15 watt) bulb. I have sand as the substrate. The fish that I have are red zebras, rustys, acei, and socolofi. I plan on adding (when I can find them) possibly hongi and/or saulosi. What bulbs can I get (that won't cost tooooooo much) that will show of the colors of these fish. I prefer not to use a bulb that gives the water a yellowish tint. Thanks for your help
I'm looking for simple answer to a lighting question
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a nice medium powered compact fluorescent will work. A 55 gallon tank isn't too large to light nicely with (2) 55 watt compact fluorescents. Get a cooler temperature bulb [i.e. < 7000K] to get a pleasant daylight color to the tank.
echoofformless
Peat Advocate & Defender Of Snails
I am taking that this is NOT a question regarding the growing of plants since the fish mentioned are African cichlids and no plant species were indicated.
Best for Africans in my opinion is to do a slightly saltwater approach to lighting. I would say buy one or two (depending on how bright you want the tank) cheap 48" shop lights at Lowe's. Go with a combination of daylight or higher (6500k - 10000k) and either one actinic or maybe something like a Marine-Glo bulb that is a combination actinic and daylight.
Seems Africans, especially with a light colored substrate, look great in a slightly white-blue lighting setup. It more closely mimics the rift lakes.
Best for Africans in my opinion is to do a slightly saltwater approach to lighting. I would say buy one or two (depending on how bright you want the tank) cheap 48" shop lights at Lowe's. Go with a combination of daylight or higher (6500k - 10000k) and either one actinic or maybe something like a Marine-Glo bulb that is a combination actinic and daylight.
Seems Africans, especially with a light colored substrate, look great in a slightly white-blue lighting setup. It more closely mimics the rift lakes.
echoofformless
Peat Advocate & Defender Of Snails