Enough Lighting? (edited)

[bleublaze55]

Hey,

so i got these LED bulbs to replace the halogen yellow bulbs that the fluval edge comes with. But now the tank seems WAY too dark. These are 1w LEDS that produce the same lumens that the halogen ones do. Heres some pictures. Im going through remodeling of the tank, so i know that it looks like CRAP in the tank!

 

[fishbait912]

wrong pics?

 

[Griff1327]

^beat me to it

 

[bleublaze55]

fixed!!!!!!!!!!!!!! sorry

 

[Griff1327]

it seems that the bulbs have a beam that is too focused. although I enjoy the looks of the tank as is, you may feel otherwise. I think it gives such a small tank some depth.

 

[bleublaze55]

I know. and i night it looks good. BUT it really isn't very bright and it doesn't light the corners of the tank at all. I've had lighting problems since day one. (wrong color, not enough)

 

[mofisher]

seems like its to centered and causes the corners to become dark if you like that then stay with it

 

[nikond70s]

why do you need more light? for plants? looks like all you have is anubias which are really low light plants which you are fine with that light. but if your not happy cuz it doesnt look appealing then you can have more lights.

 

[bleublaze55]

I just put the lights in last week. NONE of the plants have really reacted any differently to it. I have java fern and annubias in there as well as a giant vail offspring, and rottala (i think). Just sure what this light will change. Im thinking about changing the layout. I would kill to have a tank look like ANY tank out of the AGA index! any suggestions for low light arrangements?

 

[nikond70s]

usually low light plants grow very slowly especially with low light and no co2. if you want like show quality planted tanks. your gonna need co2 good substrate and bright light something like 2 watts per gallon atleast. if it was me and you wanted to change the layout i would personally put all the plants in one side either left or right kinda making a island then leave the other side empty for open space. cuz your light is not long enough to light up the whole tank so you have dark spots.