my 100gal needs a makeover

[amyandlars]

Ok I'm too lazy to post a picture of my current setup, maybe tomorrow. But I am thinking that my 100gal with only 6 Swords, and 2 dead java ferns could use a little planting boost. So far the swords look alright, but I know I need to upgrade the lighting before I do anything.

The tank is 72" long... any kinda cheap for the money suggestions on lighting fixtures. BTW, I have a big phobia of burning my house down so there will be no DIYing with the light fixtures. I don't mind spending $300 more for that part of this project.

[svdfinally]

First I'm assuming your tank is not greater than 24" deep since your tank is 100 gal and 72in long. There are many opinions but I would probably go with regular fluorescents 36" long that contain two bulbs. At $80 each X 4 fixtures this would give you 240 watts of light. I recommend the regular because you can go to Lowes and get their sunshine/daylight bulbs at about 5-6 dollars each.

This way there is no DIY (which is quite fun) and also no burning the house down.:)

[wolfbane]

Shoplights work for me, inexpensive. Like was said, the bulbs are inexpensive, Phillips Deluxe Daylights run at 6500K and are $5-$6 each. I have 2- four ft long double bulb units sitting on my 150 tall, total of 4 bulbs.

[billeagan]

I have a JBJ l ight with the legs on my setup.

I had trouble keeping plants alive so I pulled all of my gravel (sand) and put down a bed of flora depot by sera, and then made sure I had at least 3.5" of sand for the plants to grow into.

The bear is very good with plants as well as many others that will be more help than me =)

[amyandlars]

ok this is my first attempt to post a picture on this website so bare with me.

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/amyandlars/DSCF0620.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/amyandlars/DSCF0628.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u93/amyandlars/DSCF0609.jpg

[amyandlars]

So some of the problems I currently have with my set up are of course algae. And the pirate ship stays... the kids like it, and it's a little hide away for the fish. *Correction on the tank length it's only 60" long*

So cover lighting first so far it seems that my options that I'm considering are:

1) Get a 4 strip shop light at lowes that has 4 X 40 watt lights, and maybe supplement additional wattage by adding a MHI 150 watt flood light... anyone ever try flood lights for lighting. I got that idea b/c 200 watt flood light is only $19. And add a matching canopy... total cost for this option is $260 plus tax.

2) Get a marine land T5 48" strip light, no canopy b/c of the exhaust fans, has 4x54 watt bulbs. So it's 216 watts. Comes with 2 actinic lights so those would have to be replaced. With bulbs being in the $20 a pop. Cost $269.

[Derock]

Not bad but if your going to up your lighting you better get some quick growing plants to battle out the algae. I would highly recommend getting rid of the large gravel you have. They are not good at all for plant growth and they trap more waste in between the large pebble size. Check on here and plant sights on what plants do best in the temp. and with your lighting. Not a bad start...and if the pirate ship stays say hi to Captain Jack for me. [smile]

[2jzpower]

http://www.aquatraders.com/

that site has some good deals on PC and T6 light fixtures