Question about this light

[Lady Hobbs]

I want a low light for one of my 55's with just java fern, moss and anibias. I first thought of a shop light but then I saw this one.

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...lestriplight48

I think by the time I get the shop light and then upgrade the bulbs that this light would cost about the same but it has the bulb cover.

Would this light be sufficient for the plants I mentioned or would the shop light be the way to fly?

[labnjab]

I would just use a double bulb shop light. The fixtures are $10 here and plant/aquarium bulbs are only $8 each at walmart, so you only at $26 vs $48 + shipping. You can use t-8 bulbs in a t 12 fixture if you want slightly more output. I'm running a shop light with 2 t-12 ge plant/aquarium bulbs on my 55 community with java ferns and anibias and they are doing great (finally started to grow fast within the last few weeks)

[Algenco]

That light would work with the factory bulbs, that's what's over my giant java ferns, they aren't growing as fast as with the shop light though.

About the lens cover it states on the package not to be used on open top aquariums ( I do)

You can do glass tops/shop lights/ good bulbs for about the same as that light alone with shipping

[Lady Hobbs]

OK. Sounds good to me. I just got this annibias but have 3 watts on this one tank and afraid it's too much light for the low light variety. The shop light will be the way to go then. And far easier to find replacement bulbs!