Arcadia T8 Lamps

[SuperColey1]

I have an Arcadia Freshwater (White) and an Arcadia Tropical (Red/Blue) in my hood.

The labels both say good for plant growth.

My problem is this:

Originally the tropical light was at the back and the Freshwater was at the front (The tropical brings out the colours of the fish really well)

Problem was that because the front light was so bright the colours weren't really enhanced so much. therefore I swapped them around after a few days and then the colours were great.

I noticed yesterday that where originally the plants at the front (including the Blyxia Japonica) were growing really well, whilst the plants at the back were steadily growing. With the lights reversed, the Blyxia Japonica was looking really tatty after 5 days and the plants at the back were rapidly growing.

So my real question is this

Should I ignore the tropical lamp and just go for 2 freshwater lamps? I like the colours but I would rather have the whole tank growing well, as the fish are nice colours anyway without enhancement, or is it the combination of these 2 lamps that is needed to cover the spectrum?

Not an expert on lights as you can tell.

Thanks in advance
Andy

Oh and I have put the lights back the original way round to try and get the Blyxia going again.

 

[wandgrudd]

its up to you but i think you have answered your own question.

2 freshwater lamps it is then.

 

[George Farmer]

Your plants will grow fine with two FW. Spectrum isn't as important as the manufacturers make out IME. I go for aesthetics over claimed "plant growth spectrums".

 

[SuperColey1]

I'll see if the Blyxia perks up any now I've switched the lamps again. After all if any of them are going to show me which light is best for the plants it's probs this one.

If it perks up a freshwater it is, cos the back of the tank does look kinda dark with the tropical there.