Lighting for a 30 high...

["Stephen J. Page" <camwynsp at yahoo_com>]

Jeremy,

There are probably better people than myself to answer your question, but I
have a similar set-up (minus the discus) and I found it difficult to get
good growth with anything less than 3 watts/gal. I just switched over from a
home-made setup involving balancing a 48" shop light (careful there!) to an
AH Supply bright kit with 2X55watts-looks great, and the algae is dying
back...now if only I can get my nutrient levels back in order... :)

Stephen J. Page
Lessard & Associates Appraisal Services
PO Box 342
Claremont, NH 03743
www.edomina.com/lessardassociates

What kind of lighting should I use?

I have a ~34 gallon tank.  It is a 30 "tall" tank, so it is 24 inches wide
under the hood.  Currently, it is lit by 2 20watt fluorescent
"grow/aquarium" tubes.  I have cylinder co2 injection at ~22.

I have mostly lower light plants now:
Java Fern
Crypts
Sword
Pigmy "chain" sword
wisteria

I also have 3 discus and 15 or so cardinal tetras.

My plants seem to be doing OK, but the algae is over competing them.  I
think this may be due to a lack of lighting.  What does this group recommend
for a tank this size?  I don't want to blind my discus, and everything must
fit in the 24 inch hood.