struggling plants

[Harlock]

Usually the hood. Bulbs don;t make a difference so much with flourescent lights. The ballast controls the wattage of bulb you can choose. Check out AH supply. They have Do-It-Yourself setups that you can use in your existing hood. Their reflectors are generally well respected in the hobby. Now, if your aquarium came with a top that had a clear glasss strip in the middle that your light just sits on, you can purchase a strip light and not have to do it DIY if you don't want to.

 

[cawaltons]

great! (I think)

Now, if your aquarium came with a top that had a clear glasss strip in the middle that your light just sits on, you can purchase a strip light and not have to do it DIY if you don't want to.

I have a clear glass top with two rectangular cut outs -- one long thin one for the filter and one big one for the light. I think I will go get a 65 watt compact fluorescent strip light.

I think I will keep my struggling plants and see if they perk up with the new light.

Do you think I should get some sort of floating plants for shade or anything?

You all have been so much help! Thanks so much!

 

[Harlock]

I don't find that shade is necessary. The plants in the substrate will actually provide ample shade and as they grow up and you choose more plants, you will have plenty of cover to make the fish feel right at home. You said the tank was 24 inches wide. I bought a 24" Power Compact Strip Light from Big Al's that I am really pleased with. It came with everything you need and even has its own acrylic cover over the bottom, just in case you had an open top tank. It has an aluminum housing so it dissipates the heat very well and can go with about any accent (black, oak, etc.) My tank is 30 inches wide, so I have a spare 3 inches on either side, and my tank is almost 19 inches deep, but I am growing an amazon sword, an Ozelot sword and parrot's feather just fine in this. My Wisteria is literally growing like a weed. I in fact propigated my parrot's feather recently and the cutting took right off. Here's a linkto the exact light I have. I recommend it!

 

[cawaltons]

Excellent!

Thanks very much!