[missphnx]

Hi there,
I am new to these boards and I need help already. (which is why I came, huh) :?
I am building a canopy for my 75 gallon tank.
After building the canopy, I am not able to get a lot of light right now.

I am thinking about getting a 2x55W power compact bright kit (110w total) from www.ahsupply.com, that way I will have the option to add more lights later when the funds come in.
Has anyone used them? Do you like them?
And if that is the best choice, what is the difference between a 5000K and a 6700K bulb? I don't like it real yellow or real blue. I had heard the 5000K is really warm and brings out reds. But I have NO IDEA what kind of hue the different bulbs put out.

Thank you :wink:

 

[missphnx]

Hi Steve,

Thank you for replying. Wow, this is so much to take in.
I do see the difference in the bulbs on your animals page...the 5000k bulb looks like a bulb about to die. That is probably not bright enough for me.
By the way, your kitties are adorable!

I have only had 1 tank before and it has a twin-tube (T12) fixture sitting over it. So, all this retrofit stuff it Greek to me.

As far as the kind of plants that are going to start out in this new tank once I get the lights, I have a Melon sword, some Val (I don't know what kind), a couple of java ferns and a lobelia cardinalis. Now, some of these I got at the store and some I got from my neighbor. So, I don't really know what kind of light they need. I think he said everything he gave me could tolerate low light (because he knew my lighting situation)

I really can't afford to do the 2x96w right now unless I can find the bulbs for a lot cheaper than the $32.99 each they charge at AHSupply.
Is there somewhere else I can get those? Does Home Depot carry something like that?
If they don't and I can only buy 1 kit, would it be better to get a 1x96 kit instead of the 2x55 so there won't be a gap in between the bulbs?
I am so confused! Man, leave it to me to get interested in something so complicated!

Thank you,
Steph

 

[missphnx]

Oh, no the dual strip light is still over my 60 gallon. The 75 gallon is a additional tank. I am not getting rid of my 65 gallon.
I have 2 angels that have 25 babies right now...I need to get them moved to a bigger tank soon. And since I got the 75 gallon and stand free, that is where they are going. And after buying the filter, heater...yada yada...that is why I am short on $ for lights! The angels will just be in there until they are ready to be sold or given away. That is waaay to many Angels for a 75 gallon, I know.

My canopy isn't quite built yet. But the lighting will be mounted underneath the back half of the lid which is 8"wx51"L (approx)
(my neighbor who has about 7 Aquariums in his house is going to help me with the electrical work once I decide what I am doing here)
Unfortunately, he can't help me with inexpensive options because he buys the expensive stuff. :shock:

Well, I guess I will have to start with the 2x55. Then save up as quick as I can for the next set.

Man, what a headache! And I still have trying to keep plants alive to look forward to!

Thank you so much for your time and help. If you think of anything else that can help me, please please let me know.

Oh, heehee, one more question....do you know where to get some Glossostigma elatinoides? (my neighbor ket me borrow his book and I want some of that stuff!...when I get all the lights i need of course)

Thank you,
Steph