Picking The Right Light(S) For My 100G Tropical Aquarium

[lordhans]

Hi, I'm looking to get some new aquarium lighting. I'm not really sure what I need. I have a 100 gallon tropical aquarium with assorted fish (some bala sharks, clown loaches, etc). I also have a few plants but don't necessarily need a light that will make the plants flourish if it is a lot more expensive. The aquarium is about 48 inches long and because of the stand/hood the aquarium has the lights can't be more than about 4 inches vertically. Where would be a good place to look? Pet solutions has a bunch of stuff... I'm hoping to get some lights around a budget to $200 or so. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.

 

[lordhans]

bump

 

[Tizer]

Check out the Arcadia website, lots of lighting on there.

 

[nurglespuss]

Definately!

Also check out the boyu range, its cheap and cheerful, but I'm impressed so far!

 

[lordhans]

Thanks guys, will do.

 

[lordhans]

Would you suggest ordering from a website, as opposed to going into a LFS and buying one there?

 

[GrayScale]

Would you suggest ordering from a website, as opposed to going into a LFS and buying one there?

Either way they come out about the same price. More times than not, the lfs wont have the one you want in stock so they will have to order it for you. If you arent always available at home for a delivery, having the lfs order it and shipped to their shop might not be a bad idea so you can pick it up whenever.

 

[OldMan47]

If you have a few inches to work with above the tank and simply want decent light, try a shop light. It will give enough light to grow low to medium light plants and costs much less than a special built hood that says "aquarium" on it. I have a few of them over different tanks and they work great. You do not want them directly over open water but most of us are working with some kind of cover that has a light strip mounted on top anyway.

 

[Tizer]

i use iQuatics in the UK, £12 a tube, buy 2 get a 3rd free