best fluorescent lighting

[livinginclip]

i just bought a new fluorescent lighting hood to replace my incandescent (yuck!) one. i was wondering what the best type of fluorescent tube would be to get. the one that came with the hood is very nice, but i saw a wide range of fluorescent tubes at the store. i'm looking for a light that will bring out the colors in my fish more. they don't look as vibrantly colored as they did in the petstore! also, i was looking into adding an actinic (?) blue tube even though it is meant for saltwater tanks. i like the effect it gives, but my hood only allows one 18" tube. could anyone help this newbie? thanks!

 

[Tempestuousfury]

to the forum. Introduce yourself in the newbie section.

As for your question... you'll only be able to get 18" in, of course.

It all depends on what types of plants you'll be using. The type of light doesn't quite matter to fish. Tell us what type of plants you plan on having (if any), and we'll tell you what to get.

Also, the type of light you use will also affect algal growth, so keep taht in mind.

 

[Gavmoore23]

Hi livinginclip,

I find Arcadia Lights to be excellent.

As for the Blue Actinic tube, it all depends how much room you have around the lighting area, you can easily do some DIY and get one if you have the room to add it. Arcadia's Blue actinic is the best IMO.

 

[livinginclip]

as of right now, i don't have any live plants! i may get some in the future, but as a newbie, i don't know where to start. basically, i was looking for lighting that will best show off my fish's colors. i have a few african cichlids and their blue just looks dull. also, i was interested in making my aquarium have that "deep sea" effect, like many saltwater aquariums have. i was looking into the Coralife Spectramax Super Daylight Bulb, which is 75% 6,000K and 25% actinic 03 blue. also, i was considering a 50/50 mix of the 6000k and actinic blue, but would that be too dark? i quite like the bright white of the light that came with the hood. i hope i'm making sense!

 

[livinginclip]

Hi livinginclip,

I find Arcadia Lights to be excellent.

As for the Blue Actinic tube, it all depends how much room you have around the lighting area, you can easily do some DIY and get one if you have the room to add it. Arcadia's Blue actinic is the best IMO.

thank you for your advice! i doubt i will be doing any diy work any time soon... just not my thing, hehe. as for arcadia lights, i will look into them. thanks again!