Would Like To Upgrade My Lighting

[LookingToLearn]

I recently bought a 55 gallon All Glass Aquarium kit. It came with 2, 24inch, 15 watt fluorescent lights. I would really like to upgrade my lights to support my planting some hardy plants. The lights I have came with the kit and sit on a hood that was included in the tank. Is there a way for me to upgrade my lightbulbs and still use the same hood? I would like to get the most intense lighting I can that will enable me to use the same hood that came with my tank. ( The plants I am trying to grow are Elodea, Java Fern and Amazon Sword)
Is this possible?

 

[Rooster]

You could just swap the tubes to something more plant friendly... assuming they are just white at the moment ? You could add more tubes, but be aware of the extra heat... if its a plastic hood you may have problems !

Failing that, you may have to rethink the hood... maybe replace it, or do away with it, and go for a pendant fitting for instance.

 

[LookingToLearn]

You could just swap the tubes to something more plant friendly... assuming they are just white at the moment ? You could add more tubes, but be aware of the extra heat... if its a plastic hood you may have problems !

Failing that, you may have to rethink the hood... maybe replace it, or do away with it, and go for a pendant fitting for instance.

Thanx so much for the reply..
Argh! this is like learning a foreign language. I am going to call a LFS today and see if he can help me get what I need. I am becoming as obsessed with these plants as I am with the fish! LOL

love your username btw.. Do you have chickens? I have chickens and we have a big back beauty of a rooster. If you would like to see him I would be happy to post a pic of him. He is gorgeous and very friendly too (probably cuz i can't walk past him without buggin him or picking him up.. lol)

have a good one and thanx for the reply!

 

[Rooster]

Nah, no chickens.... only on plates ! ;-) I got the nickname years ago, from the TV show "Beretta" ... but that was a LONG time back... lol