[lg0815]

my parents have said they would buy me a light for my 55 wich i plan on planting after christmas so


what light should i get
looking to get 3.0 wpg
not looking to spend over like $210
where can i get it


http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+19759&pcatid=19759 the double 48
or
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+16770&pcatid=16770 the freshwater 48 inch

 

[Hoppy]

Don't even consider "watts per gallon". Think instead of what type of aquarium you want to maintain. If that is a non-CO2 tank you want a different light from what you would want for a high maintenance, high light, pressurized CO2 tank.

If you want to leave all of your options open, go for a 2 tube T5HO light, with a light hanging kit and the brackets needed to hold it up, so it can be a foot above the top of the tank, for non-CO2 use. Then, if you want to go to a high maintenance tank, you can lower the light down almost to the top of the tank.

Possibly the best option, given that you want to spend up to $210, but at a far cheaper price is: http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_136&products_id=1638 which is a 3 bulb fixture, including bulbs, with a switch for one bulb, and another switch for the other two bulbs. This lets you adjust the lighting from low light, with a single bulb on, up to very high light with all 3 on.

 

[lg0815]

what bubls would u reccommend

 

[Hoppy]

I think if I were buying that light I would ask for one each of:
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_45_63&products_id=1295
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_45_63&products_id=1618
http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_45_63&products_id=1624

But, it really comes down to which bulbs give the tank the appearance that you like best.