Went high tech: Are my lights too high??

[Fuze]

I am having some trouble figuring out the lighting situation for my 55 gallon.

I originally set up the tank as a low tech tank, no co2, excel occasionally. Running an odyssea 4xT5HO 54w. Only ran 2 bulbs and still got algae so i raised the light 8" off the top and did alright with that.


Now, I have recently went high tech and am wondering if I should lower my lights again to take full advantage of newly injected co2? I still want to run 2 bulbs as oppose to all 4.


Additionally, I have pieces of driftwood that arc over plants, giving some shadow. Would lowering the light retard or intensify this effect?

Thanks, still lots to learn..

[Hoppy]

I think you have low light with the light 8 inches above the top of the tank. Lower it to the top of the tank and you should have medium light. Or, leave it 8 inches above the top of the tank and run all 4 bulbs, for high light.

[ronnie6989]

I agree with 8" above and two bulbs only.....I tried extra bulbs and got super algae growth in two days....I find out that if you balance the co2 the right levels you can use more light. With out co2 less light is better in my eyes. All my plants are green and healthy.

Ronnie