I have a 60 gallon tank that is 21 H x 36 L x 18 D. I have a lot of plants in it but the ones I have don't have many needs - Java Ferns and Anubias. I have been dreaming lately of redecorating the tank and giving it a more "show" look with some carpet effects (doubtful as the porkers wil eat it) or at the very least some really great looking plants. The lighting fixture takes a 24" flourescent bulb. I have read some articles about lighting and they suggest a warm bulb in the 5000 - 5500 Kelvin range. With all of this in mind and with other like minded plant growing goldfish loving aquarists out there, does anyone have some good recommendations on flourescent lights? Maybe you have had great success with a particular brand that you could recommend?

I like Hagen fluorescent bulbs. I hava a Power-glo and a Aqua-glo in an aquarium where Java ferns are growing beautifully. To improve lighting you have three options. (1) Upgrade to a compact fluorescent (2) Upgrade to a twin tube lamp (3) Keep your old lamp and a second fluorescent lamp to your aquarium.

With my experience of keeping and propergating plants for over 5 years. For a nice display tank with some nice plants such as Red Tiger Lotus etc, I would recommend atleast 2.5wpg. 3wpg and most plants will love it. Just make sure to have a few SAE (simease algae eatters) in the tank to keep the plants algae free. With the high lighting its recommended to have some co2 injection to equal the rates of photosynthesis. Having warm water, co2 and high lighting will ensure healthier plants and will promote them into budding (have baby plants). Ofcoarse the recommended lighting tempreture should be 6,500K. This is where plants photosynthesis, thats why most plant light are at 6,500K. Nowadays people use Power Compacts but I know some people preferr the T8 and the T6 tubes. I have used the VHO in the past without any problems. Now im using PCs.

All the best!
Mango