[Wet Thumb Forum]-Which is best for 40 gal?

[Vicki]

Not to throw in a discouraging word, because I really like the 96w bulbs, too--but with the width of your tank from front to back you may have trouble getting good coverage. The shallow depth is great for good intensity, but not so good in terms of covering the whole tank. If you want to grow any kind of higher light foreground plant, you'll need to move your fixture toward the front of the tank, which might look funky, and will create deep shadows in the back. But I would still start with the higher wattage; if you decide you want better coverage you could always add another strip later. I like that tank size too, by the way, there are so many things you can do with it.

http://www.wheelpost.com

[Roger Miller]

I'm going to issue the minority opinion.

I think the 2x36 watt setup is your best choice. It gives you better coverage than one 96 watt tube and provides plenty of light for the plants you are growing. If you go to more light it will just force you into more maintenance.

Same with CO2. If you add CO2 it will also force you into more maintenance. And yes, you will get an effect from CO2 with just 2X36 watts over a 40 gallon tank. Do you need that effect? That's all up to you. Your plants should do fine without it.

If you ever want fast-growing foreground plants, or hard-to-grow stem plants then you might want more light. But hard-to-grow stem plants can be more work than they're worth and there are several foreground plants (e. tenellus, lileaopsis and marsilea come to mind) that you can grow with lower light.


Roger Miller

[thegeneral]

I have almost completed my stand for my 40 gallon breeder.I have a 2 x 55 w kit from ah supply. Am thinking of adding one more flourecent tube. I have the room to do so in the new diw hood.Do you think I should go ahead and add the other tube?

[thegeneral]

That should read DIY hood...lol