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Okay, I'm running a low tech planted tank and I currently have a 48x4 T8 shop light as the lighting source. I think the bulbs are around 6000k in color.
Anyway, both ends of my tank are dark even though I have the fixture elevated about 4in above the tank. I'm also aware that the light output isn't nearly as high as it needs to be even though my plants are pretty healthy.
So, I'm thinking of switching to T5 bulbs with a color temp between 7000-10000k to compensate for the yellowish tannins in my water and make the colors of the fish "pop" some more.
My questions is: How should I set up this lighting system to get brighter, more even light distribution in a 6ft long tank? 36in bulbs seem to be really rare. Would two 24inx4 bulb fixtures suffice if I'm using t5 HO bulbs?
Also, I will be building a full hood that matches my stand to enclose the top and finish the whole thing off.
Anyway, both ends of my tank are dark even though I have the fixture elevated about 4in above the tank. I'm also aware that the light output isn't nearly as high as it needs to be even though my plants are pretty healthy.
So, I'm thinking of switching to T5 bulbs with a color temp between 7000-10000k to compensate for the yellowish tannins in my water and make the colors of the fish "pop" some more.
My questions is: How should I set up this lighting system to get brighter, more even light distribution in a 6ft long tank? 36in bulbs seem to be really rare. Would two 24inx4 bulb fixtures suffice if I'm using t5 HO bulbs?
Also, I will be building a full hood that matches my stand to enclose the top and finish the whole thing off.
