Tropical Fish Forums

[menagerie mom]

I am upgrading my 20 gallon to a 29 gallon tank soon, and am trying to figure out the best configuration of lighting.

New tank dimensions: 30x12x18
Injected CO2
6 rummy nose tetras, 3 otos, 6 ammano shrimp, and will add 2 angelfish when the tank is set up.
Current plants are anubias, java fern, java moss, and crypts

I love AH Supply lights, but am not sure about the best configuration to achieve 2 to 2.5 wpg. I am thinking 2x18w in back (where most of my plants are), with a 24w in front. Or go with all 24w for better coverage across the length of the tank?

Please let me know if you have suggestions or can share how you solved this dilemna. Thanks!

[Marcos Avila]

If you can fit 3x24 W then you should definitely do it. Keep in mind that fluorescent lamps gradually lose their lighting capacity as they age, sometimes as fast as 50% in a few months, although it's almost impossible to notice without photometers.

You can also set up the tubes in 2 or 3 different switches. It's nice to have that kind of versatility, not just for controlling the total lighting amount, but also for different lighting hues.
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Success with a fish/tank is measured in YEARS, not months or weeks...

[menagerie mom]

Thanks Marcos. It will be snug, but they will fit. That's a good reminder about bulbs losing their lighting capacity.