fixture or retrofit?

[RAYNOR]

My 30 gal is currently lit with a 20W 24" std flourescent tube (50/50 powerglo). All fish and corals(polyps, mushrooms, toadstools) seem very happy, but I would like to upgrade to PC lighitng. I would like opinions on whether to retrofit my existing, plastic canopy housing the flourescent with a 65W 24" 50/50 PC bulb or go with an entirely new 96W 36" fixture (which would leave the top of the tank open?). Tank dimensions are 36" x 12" x 18". Any advice at all would be extremely appreciated.

 

[ChrisRD]

Either option will give you a lot more light than you have now, but if you already have a canopy (and like it) the retro probably makes sense. Any chance you can squeeze a 96 watt PC retro in there?

Running open top can be nice because it's easier to access the tank and keep it cool, but it can also result in a lot of light spill into the room (visually distracting IMO) and increases the chances of a fish doing some carpet surfing.

In your case (a single PC lamp) you shouldn't have much of a heat issue with a reasonably ventilated canopy.

HTH

 

[Len]

I'd go with a new 96W since it will span the length of your tank better. Two bulbs would be ideal, but one would be a definitely improvement over both your current FO and the 65W.