Should I upgrade to 55W or get an additional FL light?

[hypersushi]

I currently am running a set of four 36W PL lights over my 4ft tank (48in x 17in x 20in). I find that it is inadequate to get my riccia pearling. I have CO2 runnning. Anyways, the shop which I bought the PL lights from says it is upgradeable to 55W. Looking at my setup right now, I find that the lights are brightest in the middle strip of the tank and towards the front and back areas are a bit lacking in light. I worry if I upgrade to 55W, it will be the same (ie. brighter in the middle only). So should I go for the upgrade or buy a new casing with maybe two FL lights? (this would help spread the lights evenly throughout the tank?). Looking at this study below...got me thinking...

http://www.fitchfamily.com/lighting.html

[Cacatuoides]

why not go for T5s...they have much better output than FLs....

[|squee|]

buy a new casing with maybe two FL lights

This is what I'd do.

Better yet, upgrade to PLs, or T5 lights with parabolic reflectors. There's a good discussion on T5s here.

[fazlee]

Of to upgrade to T5 or maintain with PL/T5 depends on ur pocket and the availability of such stuff in ur area.

I ever use 4x36PL on a typical 4x1.5 tank with riccia lawn when i started planted a few years back. it does bubbling. I guess it depends on ur photoperiod and the rate of co2.

If t5 not easy to obtain, why not consider another 2x36PL. The casing width shld be slimmer as compared to 2xFL. Its much easier to maintain a single type of tube.

Just my 2cent

[michael lai]

Hi Hypersushi,
I think to solve your current problem, just buy the extra FL lights. If you upgrade, you might experience higher temperature problems. In a ideal situation, converting to T5 would be best. As it solves both your lighting problems and temperature problems. My 2 cents.