Hello. I have recently purchased a 55G tank (48"Lx12"Wx18"H). I would like to upgrade my lighting system but I do not have a clue what to get. It is a freshwater tank and I want to grow plants successfully. Here are my questions:
1. Do I need Metal Halide lighting?? I have seen so many products some with timers, fans, ballasts etc. and it's all rather confusing. Below are the ones (websites) I've found that fit my dimensions. Some have fans and no timers and vice versa and few have both. I am looking for a lighting solution that will maintain itself and not cause hassle ie. lights with timers and not overheat my tank. I think from my research that a single combination lighting system with MH and Fluorescents (like websites listed below) is the best in this case.
2. Do I need a built in fan, a timer? (The room is fairly well ventilated)
3. Is moon lighting important for freshwater or just aesthetics?
4. Do I need glass or acrylic between the tank and the lamps? If so, how much space is required between them? If not, how much space between the lamp and the water is required?
5. Do I need Metal Halide and Fluorescents Combination or just Metal Halide?
6. From my research I need 6000-7000K MH lights but I haven't found any in this range. Is a higher range going to be problematic?
Thank you for your help! If you know a website that has what I need please let me know. I reside in Canada. Thanks!
http
/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F3...3/Itemdy00.aspx
http/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F3...4/Itemdy00.aspx
http/www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CU01034
http/www.petsolutions.com/Nova+Extreme+H...0001736-C-.aspx
http/www.petsolutions.com/SunPod+HQI+Met...0001736-C-.aspx
The fish I have: 4 plecos, 1 ghost, 2 tetras, 1 catfish, 2 irredescent sharks
1. Do I need Metal Halide lighting?? I have seen so many products some with timers, fans, ballasts etc. and it's all rather confusing. Below are the ones (websites) I've found that fit my dimensions. Some have fans and no timers and vice versa and few have both. I am looking for a lighting solution that will maintain itself and not cause hassle ie. lights with timers and not overheat my tank. I think from my research that a single combination lighting system with MH and Fluorescents (like websites listed below) is the best in this case.
2. Do I need a built in fan, a timer? (The room is fairly well ventilated)
3. Is moon lighting important for freshwater or just aesthetics?
4. Do I need glass or acrylic between the tank and the lamps? If so, how much space is required between them? If not, how much space between the lamp and the water is required?
5. Do I need Metal Halide and Fluorescents Combination or just Metal Halide?
6. From my research I need 6000-7000K MH lights but I haven't found any in this range. Is a higher range going to be problematic?
Thank you for your help! If you know a website that has what I need please let me know. I reside in Canada. Thanks!
http
/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F3...3/Itemdy00.aspxhttp
/www.thatpetplace.com/Products/KW/F3...4/Itemdy00.aspxhttp
/www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=CU01034http
/www.petsolutions.com/Nova+Extreme+H...0001736-C-.aspxhttp
/www.petsolutions.com/SunPod+HQI+Met...0001736-C-.aspxThe fish I have: 4 plecos, 1 ghost, 2 tetras, 1 catfish, 2 irredescent sharks
