Re: RM...........here are some links to some good sites that have the proper bulbs

"Larry Blanchard" <lblanch@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote in message 
news:pan.2007.12.25.18.22.04.396551@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> On Tue, 25 Dec 2007 07:40:31 -0800, AquariumFatasies wrote:
>
>>  I'll bet you a coffee that proper bulbs (no
>> more than 2x40Watters of the correct kelvin temps and "PROPER"
>> reflectors will be more than enough light for "ANY" Freshwater plants
>> you can possibly grow in a 55 gal tank.
>
> I'm not so sure about that.  They may be sufficient at first, but light
> output seems to drop off fairly quickly.  I've had good luck with the
> proverbial 2 watts per gallon in tanks of normal depth.
>
> Even then I'd use the Tropica website and stay away from any plants they
> describe as needing high light.
>
> As far as a homemade reflector, I used aluminum fla****ng in a couple of
> homemade hoods.  Certainly no work of art, but seems to work.  Just make
> sure the fla****ng you buy is polished on at least one side.
============================================
For now I'm leaving the lights as is on my tanks. I've cut back feeding to

twice a day and cut back the lighting to 10 hours a day.  I stopped adding

Flourish Excel and see a small improvement. :-)
-- 

RM....
Zone 6.  Middle TN USA
~~~~  }<((((*>  ~~~   }<{{{{(ö>