Advice on pc lights...

[squirrelrabbits]

I'm about to upgrade to power compact flourscent lights and am thinking of getting a retrofit kit that's on sale ($45):

http/www.aquariumguys.com/retrofitkit1.html

My question is, will I have to install a fan with this light? (My current canopy has standard vents in the top).

I have also considered going with aqualights for a bit more money ($60):

http/www.aquariumguys.com/aqualightfresh.html

But I have some questions about these... Does the aqualight need a glass canopy under it? And does it come with mounitng brackets or do ytou buy those separately?


Thanks.

 

[Lateral Line]

The starter can get a little warm, but that should not be mounted in the hood. The lamp gets barely warm, a fan would not be necessary.

The lamp they are offering is a 10,000K. This is far from a good choice for a planted tank. For a single lamp installation, look for a full spectrum 5000 - 6700K lamp. The higher temperature lamps encourage algae and do not cover the red end of the spectrum where most aquatic plants absorb a deal of their energy.

The second lamp you link to has a much more useful planted tank spectrum.