42G Lighting Recommendations

[mark]

Might of missed it but what are you planning on keeping? Answer to your light question would be based on your stocking plans. Example, obviously you don't need a $700 MH combo if your plan is FOWLR or mushrooms.

[JHG]

I'm looking for something that will allow me to keep more than just softies and that has "Honey, I didn't re-mortgage the house to buy this." price tag.

See above.

[StirCrazy]

Originally Posted by JHG

I'm planning on setting up a 42G (36"x18"15") in the near future and am thinking of what options I have in terms of lighting. The tank is only 15" high so I'm assuming lighting this tank will be a bit easier than a taller tank. Please fire away with your suggestions. I'm looking to purchase within Canada on this one, if possible.

Thanks,

J

you can get away with 150 HQI, 175, 250 , 250HQi ect... ut what you got to think about is if you are ever going to buy a bigger tank. if not find a cheap 175 watt or 150 HQI set up. if you are going to have a canopy then you can just buy a reflector and case and save money over a fancy aqualight or something like that. if you might buy a larger tank laiter then go for the 250 or 250 HQI now and just mount them a little higher. (you could probably get away with one light if you raise it high enuf but I have two lights in my 36" tank. but if money is a issue you could buy one cheaper pendant now mount it higher in the middle then next summer buy another if you feel it is nessassary. (oh and when I say 250 HQI I do not mean the double ended bulb. I am talking about the ballast. if you want to run double ended bulbs it is up to you but I prefer single ended bulbs as they have a better spread.

Steve