AHS 55W and 36W kits

[Rolo]

I'm going to use a 55W bulb over my 20high. I don't know if I should buy the 1X55W kit or the 2X36W kit with two 17.5" long reflectors. It seems like a no-brainer to get the 55W kit, but I plan on later using a 30 gallon (36x12X16) tank and a 2X36W would be perfect for that.

I wondering if I could use only 1 socket and reflector of the 2X36W kit to run a 55W bulb. The downside to this is that reflector has over 3 inches of uncovered space on each end while the 55W kit has 22", almost the whole lenght. (tank is 24" long). I don't want to however sacrafice growing a nice 20 gallon tank becuase the reflectors are too small on the 2X36 kit.

What do you think?

BTW need answers fast, I already ordered the 1x55W yesterday, mabey I can change the order but times ticking! :x

Random side note, is the 1X55W less than ideal for a 20long. 55W is kinda intense for a 10" tall tank with substrate and the reflector leaves out 8" of uncovered space.

[Rex Grigg]

Did you try calling Kim at AH Supply?

I can answer the question on the 2X kit. You have to run both bulbs. And if you ordered it yesterday it's already shipped. They don't sit on their hands at AH Supply.

[Gomer]

if you get a 2x kit, you can run it as 1x. Kim gives instructions on how to run just 1 bulb.

[Daemonfly]

I would just keep the 1x55w for the 20g and then just wait until you setup the 30g, then get a 2x36w for that one (if you can afford it). This is probably what would happen anyway, due to MTS (Multiple tank syndrome )


I regret using only a 1x55w on my 20g long, as it's not long enough, and the plants on the end angle inward torwards the light quite a bit.

[SCMurphy]

For a 36 inch long tank you really want the 96 watt PC kit, even coverage, grows great plants, only one bulb to deal with, enough light to absolutely require CO2 injection unless you want to farm algae.

[Rolo]

I guess I'm to late to change the order. A single 96 watt fixture would be better than a 2X36 watt anyway so I'm all good.