My tank is 80cm (l) x 45cm (w) x 43cm (h)
My current lighting is a unit containing 2 x 55w 10 000k + 1 x 55w Actinic power compacts.
I would basically like to eventually be able to grow anything in my tank but I have been getting some conflicting info about the lighting.
I have asked at 2 LPS's and both told me that for a tank my size which is also quite shallow that the lighting I have would be good for pretty much anything.
Then other people have told me that I should upgarde to metal halide.
According to the LPS's I cannot put metal halides over my tank as the temperature would shoot through the roof. At the moment my power compacts keep the tank at 26 degrees so I can see the reasoning for this. I am not sure I have the additional money for a cooler just yet.
A lot of people with tanks deeper than mine are using 150watt metal halides with success. Surely my 150watts would then suffice in my shallower tank. Am I correct in saying this?
Also would it not be better to replace my actinic with another 10 000K?
I know the actinic softens the light but without the actinic on the colour still looks very pleasing.
The reason for me asking this question is cos I want my life in my tank to flourish not just be holding on.
SO should I upgrade to metal halides, stick with what I've got, swap my actinic for another 10 000k or maybe add on 1 or 2 t5's if I can find the space?
One more thing - how often do power compacts need to be replaced?
And do they fade out slowly or just die a sudden death?
My current lighting is a unit containing 2 x 55w 10 000k + 1 x 55w Actinic power compacts.
I would basically like to eventually be able to grow anything in my tank but I have been getting some conflicting info about the lighting.
I have asked at 2 LPS's and both told me that for a tank my size which is also quite shallow that the lighting I have would be good for pretty much anything.
Then other people have told me that I should upgarde to metal halide.
According to the LPS's I cannot put metal halides over my tank as the temperature would shoot through the roof. At the moment my power compacts keep the tank at 26 degrees so I can see the reasoning for this. I am not sure I have the additional money for a cooler just yet.
A lot of people with tanks deeper than mine are using 150watt metal halides with success. Surely my 150watts would then suffice in my shallower tank. Am I correct in saying this?
Also would it not be better to replace my actinic with another 10 000K?
I know the actinic softens the light but without the actinic on the colour still looks very pleasing.
The reason for me asking this question is cos I want my life in my tank to flourish not just be holding on.
SO should I upgrade to metal halides, stick with what I've got, swap my actinic for another 10 000k or maybe add on 1 or 2 t5's if I can find the space?
One more thing - how often do power compacts need to be replaced?
And do they fade out slowly or just die a sudden death?
