lighting for ciclid tank

[meg]

Hi guys,
I am looking for some info for one of my friends. She is starting a 150 for cichlids. We built the stand and canopy for her so she is looking to us for advise as to what lighting to put into the canopy. What would you suggest. I know a few of you have lots of experience with this. I have none. Thanks for your help. The tank is 4' by 2' by 3' tall.
Meg

 

[goat585]

I use strip lights that they sell at the hardware store. You can hide them in the canopy. They are pretty inexpensive and work well. I use the 2 bulb fixtures. You can find them for $10-15

Tom

 

[meg]

Thanks Tom. I was thinking you might be one to help me.
Meg

 

[synofreak]

With that tall of a tank, I would OD some T8's and use 50/50 bulbs. I actually have a shop light I did it 2. Replaced the magnetic ballast with an electronic. This OverDrives the bulbs to about 48W per bulb, and puts off great light. Lined the shop light with aluminum tape for better reflection. Shoplight was about $8(years ago), and ballast was around $20-25(cant remember). It kicks it out. I used over SW mainly after ODing them, but it would light that tank up just right. BTW, I ran most my african tanks in the dark :rolleye1: . I think 50/50 bulbs would set them off. I might be willing to sell the unit? Had it hung in a hood before(over 26" tall tank). Otherwise can come see it to replicate it(not running, but can plug it in). LMK.

 

[meg]

Thanks. I will pass this on.
Meg

 

[cichlid nutz]

The wattage of the bulb is not as important as the frequency. Try to find bulbs that are 6500K to 6700K if possible. (Kelvin) The lowest I would go is 5000K as this is the closest to the spectrum of noonday sunshine. These bulbs are not expensive and can usually be found at Lowes or Home Depot listed as "sunshine" or "Daylight". They will have the K rating on the package. They also usually come in T8 size and T8's actually put out more ambient light than a T12 anyway. Hope this helps.