FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I have a 38g tank that I hope to set up in a few months. I am already planning what I need to get to set the tank up. I want to plant it and have Eco-Complete as substrate. I want to try higher light on this tank so I can have some colorful plants. I am looking at a 30" Coralife Aqualight fixture that has 2x65w CF bulbs. If I got that I would have 3.4wpg, which is in the range of what I am looking for. The 36" fixture has 1x96w bulb and that would only give me 2.5wpg and I really want more than that.

I will not have CO2 and I don't know if that is bad when you have 3wpg.

I would buy the mounting legs for Coralife fixtures and that would give some extra length. I am not sure if it will fit 36" though. I will have to measure with the 30" fixture I have on my 29g.

My question is, is there anything wrong with a shorter fixture, besides making sure it will fit on the tank? Does it cut down any light at all?
I am sure this is a stupid question...but I was wondering. I know most people buy fixtures that fit, but I can't find one that has the wattage I want and is a decent price.

*Kristin*

I see no issues with running a shorter fixture, other than maybe a bit more light 'leaking' into the room. As long as everything is stable and not in the way of any splashing water, it shouldn't be an issue. The light should expand as it leaves the bulb, so you shouldn't notice much dimming on the ends of the tank either. If this happens, try getting the fixture closer to the hood.

I have been running a twin 4ft on my 5ft tank ever since I had that tank. Also the Betta tank is just a little bit short 1ins each end.

Remember that 5ft tank is full of Anubias and I mean full from ent to end and front to back.

Have a look in [link=My Profile]http://
www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/profile.asp?userid=6741" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link] for my tank info

[link=Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos]http://photobucket.com/albums/b209/keithgh/Betta%20desktop%20tank/" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link]

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW

I have a 30" light on my 36" tank, and the corners of the tank are quite dark and I've had to replant my tank recently to accomodate this. I suggest upright rooted plants like crypts or anubias for your darker corners, because they won't mind the lower light as much, and won't lean in towards the light as much, leaving your corners bare.

Also, if you don't use CO2 with that much light, you might end up with algae problems (I did). If you can afford the few extra bucks every few weeks/months, a bottle of Flourish Excel in addition to your other ferts would be a good idea.

Hoping that there must be a word for everything I mean...

I had a 24" fixture on my 30" tank and the ends were quite a bit darker. However my fixture set directly on the glass. If you lift it up off the top the light should spread more before it reaches the tank and it shouldn't be as dark on the ends.

illustrae: I am stocked up on Excel. I have been using it in my planted 10 and 55g tanks. I have not even used a whole bottle and just got 2 more this week.

My fixture will be above the glass, so hopefully the light will spread. I will keep in mind about the anubias and crypts in the corners, if they are dark.

Thanks everyone. :%)

*Kristin*