Suggestions on 36G Bow Front Build

[beckdg]

if you want the heat not to be an issue i'd stay away from power compacts. ho bulbs can get hot too though.

what's wrong with the nova extreme fixture? i'd do it if i were you... i've been trying to talk the wife into letting me have the 36" nova extreme for a week now. you can get bulbs from one of the places we've already listed in the 6700k spectrum if that's really what you want. i know they're odd size bulbs but your tank pretty much is an odd size for bulbs in general. you'll get better light coverage and more planting options with the longer bulbs so i think fitting the bulbs as close to the size of your tank would be your best bet.

[Epiphile]

I can see what TheHamr's saying about wanting a fixture that fits. That Nova Extreme one looks like a good bet in the 30" length. I would that 3 inches on either side of the lamps wouldn't be too bad, and I'd think the Nova fixture might have better reflectors, which could make all the difference. 24" lamps are easy to come by, as well.

[beckdg]

Originally Posted by Epiphile

I can see what TheHamr's saying about wanting a fixture that fits. That Nova Extreme one looks like a good bet in the 30" length. I would that 3 inches on either side of the lamps wouldn't be too bad, and I'd think the Nova fixture might have better reflectors, which could make all the difference. 24" lamps are easy to come by, as well.

absolutely... every bit of it.

[TheHamr]

I'm confused now LOL! So the Nova Extreme 30" does take 24" bulbs? If so then yes I agree, it's a deal and I can easily replace the bulbs with 24" 6500k's I guess I thought, based on previous responses, that this fixture took an odd length bulb.

[Epiphile]

Yes, it sure looks like it- 24W is usually pretty indicative of a 24" HOT5 lamp.

[TheHamr]

Ok, thank you! Looks like I've found my fixture then. Just one last question. I assume I should swap out the bulbs included with the fixture considering the plants that will be in there and go with 6500K. I know nothing about plants, dart frogs etc. at this point but it looks like everyone is running 6500K is that necessary?

[Epiphile]

Not strictly necessary, no, but 6500K tends to provide a good wide spectrum, which the plants will appreciate.

Here's a little primer in case you wanted to read further: Indoor Plant Lighting

[TheHamr]

Thank you very much, reading now!

[beckdg]

ha... looks like you guys are right. i must have got the bulb sizes mixed up.

[TheHamr]

Well I ordered the Nova Extreme 30" just waiting for its arrival. Here are some pics of the terrarium. It's only half planted and I'm still waiting for some of the decorations (slate for the water feature, etc.) but it gives you an idea where I'm going with this build.

Aaron