help on selecting lighting. Thx!

Unrulyevil

Hello. I have some questions on lighting in particular how good are these products for 55 gal. 48x13x20


#1 http://www.aquariumguys.com/48satellite.html
does anyone have this thing? how does it work..... do you need a canopy to cover ur tank and put this thing on top? I just want to see/picture how this looks on the operational tank.

#2 http://www.aquariumguys.com/hood4.html
ones again does anyone have this? does it have one bulb? and if so.. wouldn't it be not enough power/light for the plants? if you can only put one bulb in ? or i would be better off getting double fixture? two by 24"


Thank you.

herefishy

Is the tank planted and what type of fish are you going yo keep?

ttiger72

I have the 30" single bulb version of this one sitting on a glass top, which you need to have. I have a moderately planted tank which is why I went this route (plants need more light). I really like it, and so do my plants. The other nice thing is that the glass top seems to stop evaporation a lot better than plastic hood that came with my tank.

Depending on what your doing with your tank either would work. If you are doing fake plants or a few low light plants then you can get the hood and be set, but if you are going to use real plants I would go with the Satellite and a glass top, it's better for the plants.

jones57742

#1
a) I do not have experience with this specific fixture but you will find more information at
http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...roduct=CU01006
b) You will need a transparent aquarium cover on which to place the fixture.
c) I have two Dual Satellites and have had good luck with them (30" satellites on a 36" long tank).
d) If you anticipate "easy to grow" plants (such as Anubias, indian red sword etc.) this fixture should be adequate for your 20" deep tank.
e) You will be disappointed in the performance of the lunar lights.

#2 I have no experience with this hood and light and the information in the link is insufficient to provide a comment.

TR

trreherd

I have the duel sattalite on my salty tank.
http://www.fishforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=3237&start=0
scroll to the bottom and you can see what a sattalit looks like on your tank.

Unrulyevil

thanks for the feedback much appreciated.

I'll go with the satellite. I need to have lots of light for the planted tank.

RubberFrog

As mentioned above, you'll need a glass top for the satellite. I know some people run them open top but you risk your fish jumping out as well as massive evaporation.

I like the look of the satellite. Especially with the standoff legs attached. Definate points for coolness factor as well.

That second hood... it looks like the ones they sell at walmart. Which look do you want for your tank? Coolness or walmart? :D

The satellite can be "dimmed down" by using 55 watt lamps if you find the 65s too bright.

The walmart hood is going to use a 40 watt bulb. That is less than .75wpg on your tank. That may be ok for Anubias and Anacharis.

I would go with the satellite. I use a very similar fixture and I think it definately adds to the look of the tank as well as providing excellent light.

The moon lights are a little underpowered but still enjoyable for evening stealth viewing.

Unrulyevil

double post delete

Unrulyevil

Thank you for your reply.

I'm looking for something that will be good for the plants and at the same time would be accessible like a hood

how about this?

All-Glass Aquarium Black 48" Fluorescent Twin Tube Strip Lite

http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Prod...lyID_7666.aspx

is this like a hood or is it just mounts on the middle of the tank? or how does it work?

thx

jones57742

I am not familiar with this product but from the link:
It appears to not be a hood and
The information lacks specifications for the lights and therefore you do not know what you will receive.

TR