Brand Spankin' New 90gal - Need Lighting Help!

[warr0088]

Hey all,

just got my 90gal and think I need to upgrade my lighting.  I want to grow simple low to medium level light plants, crypts, grass, anubias, java moss / fern, swords, etc, without CO2, using gravel, and currently have 2 x 40 watt bulbs on the canopy right now. 

What should I look at buying to boost my lighting?  (Tank measures 48"x24"x18", 24" deep) ... Is there a canopy that exists that will accept 4 of these 40 watt bulbs? Something that will fit in place nicely with the existing canopy?

I'd rather buy everything as a unit as opposed to building my own ... any suggestions?

Thanks all, and Merry Xmas!

[Danni]

I bought the coralife 4 X 65 watt Compact Fluorescent from Pets and Ponds. I am only using 2 of the lights for low light plants. If I ever decide to go with CO2, then I will have the needed lights. Installation involved putting some cleats in my canopy and sliding the lights onto the cleats. Worked very well as there were some existing cleats to hold the canopy on the tank and they only had to be extended to hold the lights.

Hope this helps,

Danni

[BigDaddy]

My buddy ran only two 4 foot normal flourescent tubes on his 90 and crypts and swords grew just fine.

The only thing on your list that wouldn't so well would be any "grass" like plants, as it will probably be too low light for the majority of them.

[warr0088]

great info ... was that powercompact the one for $257.95? 

[Danni]

Yes it is. I got the one for fresh water plants.

Coralife FRESHWATER 48" 4-65 Watt Aqualight

I like the fact the light have two switches so it gives me flexibility.

Danni

[Toss]

Home Depot bench/workshop light is $34 for double 40W. Add that to your existing light and you should be fine with most plant. Use crypts instead of grassy foreground plants.
Save the money on lighting to buy the plants