Not enough light

[rebodi]

In order to frame my question I need to provide a little back up info. I have a bio cube 29 gallon. It came with 2 36w compacts. One is a 10k and the other is an actinic. I have read on some other sites that most people are adding two more 36w lights. One being a 50/50 and the other being an actinic but that doesnt really seem to add more light.

My zoo are stretching toward the light when they are on the substrate and their colors are not as vivid as they should be. Would adding more compacts ie having two 10k, one 50/50 and one actinic solve the problem? I guess I am trying to figure out if the price tag of the diy, around a 100, will provide the results I am looking for. All suggestions are welcome. thanks in advance

 

[JayM]

If you're looking for PAR, which will help growth, the 10k bulbs will help. If you're looking for eye-pleasing color, a higher K bulb will.

Consider (and I mean just consider) looking at a small MH setup with a single bulb. You would get terrific growth, better color, the MH 'shimmer', and you could replace the 10k bulb with another actinic in your other PC fixture to help 'blue up' the tank.