Ok, new lights are in, no photo's yet but I will take some. I replaced the single Interpet PC T5 36w tube with 2x15w T8 (all with reflectors). I am using the Arcadia double starter (the new 'sealed' one) which has really nice light clips to mount to the hood, much better than anything I've seen in the past - they give a much sturdier attachment.
I have an Original Tropical and a Freshwater tube, I certainly notice the changed output colours from the Original Tropical light, taking a bit of getting used to after the crisp white from the previous Interpet Daylight Plus. The red colouration from my rotala rotundifolia is certainly much more noticeable and the improved light spread over the water surface has really highlighted the colouration of the fish, the copper harlequin have been transformed I might play around and swap the tubes over back-front next water change, I have the Original Tropical to the front of the tank and I would like to see how it looks with this at the back and the Freshwater at the front. I can vaguely see me trying two Freshwater tubes at some point, not 100% convinced on the red-hue from the Original one. Still, the more even lighting over the entire tank is a big improvement and I've still got the magic 2wpg figure (or a tad over if you want to be picky!). Some pearling beginning again too
I have an Original Tropical and a Freshwater tube, I certainly notice the changed output colours from the Original Tropical light, taking a bit of getting used to after the crisp white from the previous Interpet Daylight Plus. The red colouration from my rotala rotundifolia is certainly much more noticeable and the improved light spread over the water surface has really highlighted the colouration of the fish, the copper harlequin have been transformed I might play around and swap the tubes over back-front next water change, I have the Original Tropical to the front of the tank and I would like to see how it looks with this at the back and the Freshwater at the front. I can vaguely see me trying two Freshwater tubes at some point, not 100% convinced on the red-hue from the Original one. Still, the more even lighting over the entire tank is a big improvement and I've still got the magic 2wpg figure (or a tad over if you want to be picky!). Some pearling beginning again too