Help With My New Tank Hood Lights :?

[greenmumma141]

Help! I have a brand new 60 Gallon tank. The hood it came with has 2 F15 t8/18 bulbs "natural daylight". I have a ton of plants going in this tank, and I know 30W isnt optimal, but I can't afford a new lighting system right now. Should I find new bulbs with a higher K's?? Is it the higher the better? my tank is 4 ft long and 23 inch tall, so it's got some height to it, and I just want to make sure Im doing the best I can for my plants and my fish, I want it nice and bright in there lol. Any help or suggestions are very appreciated. Any cheap upgrades are up for suggestion. Thanks!!!!

 

[Ps3Steveo]

Not sure about cheap upgrades, cheapest will more than likely be an extra set inc controller.

 

[greenmumma141]

Not sure about cheap upgrades, cheapest will more than likely be an extra set inc controller.

If i get the expensive bulbs with a higher K will that be enough for the plants? If so, is there a number of K i should shoot for?

 

[Ps3Steveo]

The K is the colour temp of the bulb, so 6500K is daylight so aim for that, the K makes no odds really for light levels, you need higher wattage.

 

[greenmumma141]

Looks like the hubby is getting involved haha, we'll see what he can come up with

 

[greenmumma141]

The K is the colour temp of the bulb, so 6500K is daylight so aim for that, the K makes no odds really for light levels, you need higher wattage.

 
 
Ive been toying with the idea of LED's. i know the wattage isn't the same as fluorescents, so what is a good number to shoot for with LEDs???

 

[Ps3Steveo]

About 60W worth in a 60Gal will do you.

 

[greenmumma141]

thanks would I need to do Co2 with that wattage? that still seems like a lot and pretty scary to me lol

 

[Ps3Steveo]

No that will be fine,you don't need CO2, in normal terms it similar to 1.5WPG of T5.

 

[greenmumma141]

great. this aquarium thing is a funny business. You start with one small tank, then you have to keep going bigger. you start with a couple java ferns then before you know it plants are part of the monthly budget. you start with the stock hood lights, then upgrade to a shop light and now i have to go led