Low light planted tank

does your tank have a hood?

you may be able to do DIY or a retrofit kit from ah supply.

I just set up a 24" light dual over my 29 the bulbs are t-8 and happen to be 20watts per bulb so 40 watts over 29 ~approx 1.4 watts per gallon.

and the plants seem to be doing well make sure you get daylight bulbs tho.
they may be able to be over driven..but I'm okay with what is there. the cost for the whole set up was less than $40
 
I'm not sure what your budget is, but I just got a 96W fixture by current through Big Al's for $83 + shipping.

I'm in the exact situation as you, 46 gal bow with the stock 30W Perfecto fixture. Unfortunately I can't give you feedback on how my tank is doing yet as I just rearranged my tank and installed the light last night. I can just say the light "looks good". Like you, I plan on low light plants along the lines of what was mentioned and figured 2W/gallon would be a good start.
 
oooo...i like that light you got from big al's. Looks like I'm gonna have to save up some more. I think it is either that one or maybe a retrofit kit single 96w bright light from ah supply. I'm not very handy at all so I don't know if I will be able to put the kit together in my current stock hood. Thanks for all input. I really appreciate it! Pls keep me posted on how your plants are doing :)
 
meili.harrison said:
oooo...i like that light you got from big al's. Looks like I'm gonna have to save up some more. I think it is either that one or maybe a retrofit kit single 96w bright light from ah supply. I'm not very handy at all so I don't know if I will be able to put the kit together in my current stock hood. Thanks for all input. I really appreciate it! Pls keep me posted on how your plants are doing :)
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FWIW When I was doing my lighting research, I did receive some good/positive feedback regarding the AH Supply retrofits. They seemed pretty straight-forward as far as putting them together, and I would not consider myself handy. I certainly understand being budget conscious, I went with the light I did 'cause it was a birthday gift :headbang2:.

I'm sure I'll post lots of questions on plants (just did) as I continue to learn...Good luck with your tank as well, it sounds nice. I've angels (3) and tetras (6 bloodfin and 5 rummynose) in mine too. 3 pictus cats to patrol the bottom.
 
Shoot for around 80 -90 Watts of light, adding 50+ watts of light to what you already have. You might try looking for new light fixtures on eBay. Consider an Aqualight. You should be able to find something good for under $50.
 
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