Looking To Brighten Up My Tank A Bit. What's The Best Way?

[Tu13es]

Currently, I have a 29gal tank with a single fluorescent fixture/bulb and relatively crappy plastic canopy. I do have plants, and while most of them are fine with low-ish light, I'd like to brighten up the tank a bit. I feel like the tanks in stores are so much more vibrant than mine. I originally had an Aqua-Glo bulb but switched it with another bulb and it wasn't much brighter feeling.

i was thinking of buying one of these canopies: http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=13818

and one of these lamps: http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=13818

Does that sound like a reasonable way to get some brightness into the tank? Should I be looking into a different type of light fixture or something? Any other suggestions?

Also, can/should I look into some sort of dim LED-type lighting for at night? Or no since my tank is freshwater?

Thanks!

 

[Dorkhedeos]

Those links dont work.

 

[star4]

I couldnt get the links to work either. You can get light reflectors that fit round the bulb and reflect light into the tank. i have cheated with one of my tanks and bought some silver sticky paper and fitted that inside the lid, it really made a difference.

 

[Geoff1991]

Links:

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=13818

http/www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod...mp;pcatid=13612

 

[Tu13es]

My bad. Links should work now.

 

[snowflake311]

Get a new light with more watts. I upgraded both my lights and it made my tanks much brighter. I did it for my plants. Look for a better light you will be happy you did.

 

[Tu13es]

I grabbed an All-Glass canopy today at a LFS while I was out (cheaper than online!) and it helped a good bit. And, I have a spare lamp that I can put on the part that opens, while it's closed, for even more light! Nice!

 

[Ficious]

look to spend a little more than the standard hood and lights. the amount of light depends on the power of the light. look to pay 100 to 200 USD for a good lighting system. i paid 99 dollars for a T5 HO and it does my plants good. also remember the more wats you have per gallon will coinside with how much ferts you use and if you use Co2

 

[meguro]

Maybe the light is fine but you need a better reflector? Also live plants are probably one of the best ways to brighten a tank, many fish contrast greatly against green.