CS SMARTLITE STRIP-36" - 1 X 96 WATT (1-SMARTLAMP) for

[Fat Guy]

Would this be a good light for my 38g?

I'm thinking about turning it into a planted tank as well.


Whatcha think?

[aquatic-store.com]

almost 3 wpg sounds good!

[Fat Guy]

Thanks for both responses!!

[George Willms]

I would say it depends on what plants you want to keep.

[Rex Grigg]

I would say you need CO2 and make sure you don't get the 50/50 reef bulb.

[Fat Guy]

I'm actually getting the 110w aga for my 38. I've got giant water sprites in there and some val and hygrophilia.

What would happen if I didn't add co2. Plants die from too much light?

[Fat Guy]

Your advice is much appreciated, considering I know squat about lighting for these tanks.

I did, however, come across a great product that my buddy who owns his own LFS uses to combat the Boston tap water.


I've added some seachem equilibrium to my 29g tank and now, my levels seem to be pretty good at 7ph and gh 7.

I figure that I will do this for the plants in my 38 as well once I hook up the 110w compact.. I'll hook up some more DIY c02 to it as well. Will this work?

[Fat Guy]

Since my 38g comes with 2 bulbs,

should I only run one bulb for the low light plants in there and proceed to the 2 bulbs for the higher light demanding plants?

[George Willms]

If you go high-light and no co2 you will have lots and lots of algae! So that's why no co2.

Now the problem with using only one of the bulbs is this:

Your tank is 36" long, each 55w bulb is only 24" long, you will have some much darker areas in your tank.

You would be better off buying a 2x 96 watt fixture and only using one of the bulbs and DIY co2 until you figure it all out with the low-light plants and then if you want to try the high-light plants you can use both bulbs.

[Fat Guy]

Didn't think about the lay out of that one. Thanks George. It's on its way via the mail. Maybe I should return it to big als. Do they accept returns if I don't unwrap it from the bubble wrap package? I guess I should call them. Shouldnt have ordered before figuring it out.


New Question.

Would adding on a little bit more wattage to my 29 with the 55w power compact strip aid in the growth of the low light plants, or does it not matter?

[Fat Guy]

Originally Posted by George Willms

If you go high-light and no co2 you will have lots and lots of algae! So that's why no co2.

Thanks for your time here George. Now what if I add the do it yourself C02 to the tank with the 110 Watt when it comes? Won't the plants that I have in there now, which are basically nutrient hogs, out bid the algae.

I've got 2 giant watersprites, 3 val (thick) and hygrophilia.

Just trying to figure out all I can here before spending more/ or refunding my money.

[Fat Guy]

All right.

I'm gonna stick with the 29g tank right now with the 55W power compact. I may squeeze in another 15 Watt powerglo from an old strip that I have from a 10g. I'll make it so that it is directed at the middle of the tank. Sound like a good ide. that'll be about 2.41 wpg on the 29.

Bigals, actually sent me three lights that I didn't order, for some reason, that are in transit right now. I was a little frustrated so I told them to scratch the entire order, that I didn't want it now. Long story ops:

Anyway. So that's the plan so far. I'm gonna spend more time on the 29 to make it flourish, before attacking the larger one.

Thanks George for your help. You helped me wisely curb my investment, as well as catch a big Al glitch.

[George Willms]

Glad I could help fat guy. Wow, it's sorta weird to type that.... I ran 55w on my 29 gallon for a while and did ok with crypts and low-lights plants like that. Ambulia will grow in that, hygro polysperma will also.

[Fat Guy]

Thanks George. I tacked on another 15watts last night to give me about 2.41Wpg.

I'll post a picture in the photos of how it's coming.