Lighting for 125Gal

[no_mercy]

I am wondering how I should light my 125 Gallon. I already have a cheap 65x2 watt 48" oddysea Power Compact and a 30" coralife PC. A couple problems I have are The 48" Oddysea light doesnt seem to throw much light for 130 watts, are the bulbs getting weak or something? I have used this light for over a year on a smaller 60gallon. Also the Oddysea light is 50/50 aticnic blue and the Coralife is a different color, Like orangeish red. Can I get matching bulbs? I will be growing some low light plants in my tank as well, should this setup work with these lights?

Thanks!, Nick

 

[no_mercy]

Bump, somebody has to be able to help!

 

[rhinod56]

if its a planted tank you should have at least 2.5watts/gallon, so your about half of what you should be at for wattage. as for bulbs, a power compact will last longer than a regular flourescant but the quality will greatly diminish after a year or so. When ever possible stick with straight type, 50/50 are nice and convient, but they are more expensive, and more often than not the acentic properties will fade long before the daylight, and you may not know when that is.

 

[no_mercy]

What do you recommend for increasing the lighting in the tank for plants. I am on a tight budget, I have already spent over a grand on this tank and Im not done!

 

[fish head )'>]

I have 2 3' bulbs spanning the front of the tank and a 4' home depot special centered sitting right on the glass lid. lots of light.