Freshwater Aquarium Lighting

Question
QUESTION: I have a 125 gallon freshwater aquarium with fake plants.  My light just burned out.  What is the best bulb for brightness and fish health I should replace with.  Fish in the tank are: a large blue severum, a pacostamus and a few pencil fish.  Price isn't much of an issue but I don't want overkill.  Old bulb was one coralife 48 inch spectramax I believe.  Thanks in advance...

ANSWER: Hi Dave:  Any of the full range spectrum bulbs would be fine. Because you do not have to deal with live plants you just have to have a light that makes sunshine... which translates into a full spectrum bulb.  The taller your tank the higher the wattage because light diminishes as it travels through water.  Also... florescent bulbs need to be replaced every six months even when they are still lighting up... they lose their beneficial effect after about six months.  Hope this helps... dave

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the informative quick reply.  I have decided to use my wood shop skills and build a canopy with lighting incorporated into it.  I'm going to use (4) 48" full spectrum bulbs.  Can I buy standard shop light fixtures from the local hardware store or do I have to buy a light hood from the Aquarium store?  I'm trying to save money, if you say I can go the hardware store route I do plan on installing a full piece of glass on the very bottom of the canopy for water resistance.

Answer
Hi Dave:  I am  not a great enough light expert to know if regular florescent light fixtures will work with aquarium bulbs so.... I would stick with aquarium equipment for the sole reason that shop lights are not made to work around or in close proximity to water and there is going to be an evaporation issue.  Well since the lights are going to be concealed by the canopy then what I would do is... cut costs by looking for used equipment on places like craigslist and ebay.  What you want to make sure you do is consider the amount of heat that would be put off by that many lights... especially in a concealed space such as under a canopy. Visit an aquarium and look at how canopies are put together.  I have had good results from used equipment but test it before you buy... dave