What Lighting For Panted 55 Gal Freshwater?

[amagphoto]

Have a 55 gallon planted freshwater, 4-5 weeks into cycle, everything looking good....have 2 40watt powerglo and think I need to upgrade the lighting....any suggestions keeping in mind I don't want to spend an arm and a leg? I looked at a coralite single strip light for around $150 at LFS....is that going to be ok? Think it had 4 65 watt bulb(S) configuration it it....Help would be appreciated greatly. The salesman is willing to give me credit on my twin tube flourescent light so need to make a decision fairly quickly..by Monday. Thanks a bunch.

 

[nicklfire]

yea the cora life fixtures are great, i have one, Checkout my journal, currently i got the coralife freshwater one (gree package), it's the 2x65 watt fixture that cost me 150$. If your goin to get the 4x65 then i'd only use 2 of the bulbs.. until you get your tank balanced (if not already), using almost 4wpg with all 4 bulbs in use you would definately need co2 in your tank at a stable rate of 30ppm. Overall tho i'm very happy with my coralife light fixture, you can buy legs for it so it can hover over your tank just as mine does. I'd say buy it.

 

[Themuleous]

As I said in my PM you need to decided what type of tank you want, high or low light. The light you have at presence is fine for a lower light tank I would say being 1.45WPG. So unless you want to 'go high light' keep what you've got and spend the money on other things.

Sam