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Hey!
I've decided to buy a new 35 hex for a sort of Angel breeding tank, but I also want it planted. Since the lights that come with tanks always seem to be too underpowered for effective plant growing, I'm wondering if anyone knows where I can find a glass hood/cover so I can use a better light? I've Googled it a bit, but haven't had any luck yet. The tank I'm looking at is an All-Glass, but their website doesn't say anything about making glass lids for 35 hexes.
Thanks!

Hi,
Hex's are "Cute" tanks. By that I mean that they are
designed for vewing the fish from 360 degrees, are tall
tanks, and have little "Left to right" swimming area.
They are not very practical.

If you want to breed angel fish, they would need more room
(left to right, swimming room), IMO.

The biggest problem with Hexes is that they are so tall.
The depth of the water column scatteres the light, and
there is absorbtion of parts of the light as it travels
through the water to the surface of the substrate.

Is the light fixture for an incandescent bulb? If so
replace the bulb with a screw in Compact Flourscent bulb
that can be purchased from any hardware store. Buy one
that is labeled SUNLIGHT or DAYLIGHT. They provide the
"glare" of noonday sunlight. The "Warm White" or similiar
type of compact flourscent bulbs remove the glare for
reading.

If it comes equipped with a flourscent tube, you might
consider replacing it with a 10,000K bulb. As the K ratings
climb, they tend more toward the "Blue" end of the spectrum
that will penetrate deeper into the water and give you
more light at the surface of the substrate.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks Frank,
I agree that the Hexes are slightly silly, but I'm not really aiming to get the Angels to mate, heck I don't even think I'll be able to get another Angel to pair up with mine, but it would just be a nice bonus if they decided to breed.
The hood that goes with the tank has an 18" fluorescent tube, and the guy did suggest the 10,000K bulb, but I wanted to get a second opinion since it's only 15W.
If I did decide on the 10,000K bulb, would the water appear more "blue" or is it enough of a difference for the human eye to detect?
thanks!

10K bulbs should be more of a crisp white in appearance...they are not blue but not yellow like a 6500K bulb.

I'm thinking about seeing if a glass place can custom cut a lid and add a couple hinges. What does anyone think of that? If I did that, I'd then get a 20" compact fluorescent hood (probably this one with the 6,700 bulb) to put on top of it. Thoughts?

Nevermind, we just picked up a 36 bow front instead. We got a double bulb hood and we'll be good to go for growing plants!
Thanks for the advice!

That is an awesome choice, you will be able to fit a lot more in, and it will be much easier to upkeep and maintain!

Congrats on the tank josh I know the angels will like it
Hexes are also notorious for aquascaping...you'll have an easier time with the bowfront, although they do have their own specific requirements when scaping :%)!.

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