Suggestions please..

[au_melvin]

Hi to all!

Can anyone help suggest a few ideas as to what I should do with my Juwel Rekord 120 [measuring 101(l)x31(w)x46(h) <cm>]. its volume is approx. 120 litres...minus off volume for sand...comes down to maybe 110 litres? The original lighting that is provided together with the aquarium is only 25W with reflectors and internal filter.
My question is...how do i increase the W of light supplied? Obviously, 25W for a 3-ft tank is far too little by any means, even with the help of the reflector.
1) What options do I have? Is removing the entire hood, and having lightsmounted on top the only way out to have brighter lights?
Any way to mod the present hood?

2) Would it be a better idea to just set up a low-light demanding planted tank?

3) Any other suggestions please.

Thanks a million!

Always learning,
Mel.

[budak]

You could remove the hood (I am not sure whether Juwel hoods can accomodate extra tubes) and get those light sets (usually 2 tubes of FL or PL) which have stands that are afixed to the side of the tank. LFS like Nature and Eco culture have a good range. A MH light might be good too if you have the budget.

If you want to do a low light setup then you should do without CO2 and liquid ferts.... just a rich base substrate, minimal water changes, controlled fish population and good plant selection. I think there was a thread in the plant or fert forum on low maintenance setups... do a search for it.

[tawauboy]

whether you can mod your present light hood depends on the amount of space available. chances are that you do not have enough space. even if you manage to squeeze whatever amount of lights you require, it may not be good. your lights could be cluttered together and gives you localised lighting rather than evenly distributed.

so removing the hood would be a good idea. also helps to prevent heat build up.