So as the title suggests I'm looking at alternative lighting, I'm currently running 2x 20watt sunlight florescent tubes in a hood, which is what Aqua One suggest to use. The tank is also from Aqua One and is a UFO 700 corner tank, dimensions which I've measured are 60cm front to back, 100cm at the furthest points across and 54cm on substrate and water, so a relatively small footprint but quite deep for a tank of 175L.
Now I'm looking to rescape my tank and part of this is I would like to change too an open top tank without a hood and have the lighting either suspended from the wall/a shelf I intend to install over the tank or find a light to clip onto the rim of the tank. Reason is I'd like the look of a light that gives off the shimmering look off the ripples of the water, also as it's a South American themed tank I'd like to suspend some branches both coming down into the water and coming up and breaking the surface. Also as it will be slightly tannin stained water and not too many plants, only of which require little light (vallis etc) it doesn't have to be the brightest.
Now for a while I thought LED was the way to go however when I asked a similar question on here a few months ago I was pointed in the direction of metal halides. Now there are a tonne of LED set ups online which vary from £10 up to £100s but I've found little in the way of halides. Really I'm looking for a single bulb spotlight but all I can seem to find is the large expensive hoods with multiple bulbs fitted.
So really I'm looking for some advice as to what kind of light and specifications are going to suit my tanks needs best and if someone can point me in the direction of any specific set ups that would be awesome! Really I'm looking to spend as little as possible and no more than £40/50 if I can help it.
Now I'm looking to rescape my tank and part of this is I would like to change too an open top tank without a hood and have the lighting either suspended from the wall/a shelf I intend to install over the tank or find a light to clip onto the rim of the tank. Reason is I'd like the look of a light that gives off the shimmering look off the ripples of the water, also as it's a South American themed tank I'd like to suspend some branches both coming down into the water and coming up and breaking the surface. Also as it will be slightly tannin stained water and not too many plants, only of which require little light (vallis etc) it doesn't have to be the brightest.
Now for a while I thought LED was the way to go however when I asked a similar question on here a few months ago I was pointed in the direction of metal halides. Now there are a tonne of LED set ups online which vary from £10 up to £100s but I've found little in the way of halides. Really I'm looking for a single bulb spotlight but all I can seem to find is the large expensive hoods with multiple bulbs fitted.
So really I'm looking for some advice as to what kind of light and specifications are going to suit my tanks needs best and if someone can point me in the direction of any specific set ups that would be awesome! Really I'm looking to spend as little as possible and no more than £40/50 if I can help it.
