Lighting Question

[RMcdowell]

Its high time I updated my tanks lighting system (38 US gallons 48"/12"/18")
Currently I have a single 36" Arcadia 30W Original Tropical and according to the great
info on these forums is less than the 1WPG (0.8WPG) formula thats required even for low light plants.

I was thinking of going for the Hagen Glomat Double Electronic Ballast Starter Unit and running
an Arcadia Original Tropical and an Arcadia Freshwater tube side by side.

My question is what size tubes should I be running in my hood length wise???
i.e. my hood is 48" long so would 2X 42" tubes be better? (rather than 2X36")
An added advantage is that the longer length tubes have higher Wattage (38W each) so will be
nearer that golden 2-3WPG (2X38W = 76w total/38Gallons = 2WPG).

I need your guys advise before I purchase the Hagen Double Controller as theres about 4 different versions
of the light controller for different size bulbs/wattages.

Obviously im gonna need a C02 system to cope with the increased plant growth with the better lights..
Can anyone reccomend a decent all in one C02 system? I dont really want to go DIY route, and with 4 kids
im not made of money hehe but I need something simple and easy to set up - im in the UK aswell.

Thanks in advance

 

[SuperColey1]

Your suggestion is perfect.2WPG T8 is fine for most plants and not so high that you battle algae as much. However 2WPG is the borderline of pressurised CO2 being a must. Personally I would definately go pressurised with this lighting. DIY is no good with your size tank.

You will also need to start dosing ferts wether it be homemade or reputable off the shelf brand.

Make sure you have the Orig Tropical at the back and Freshwater at the front otherwise your tank will look very pink at the front as the daylight at the back will accenuate the pink at the front even more.

AC