I need brighter lighting for freshwater

[myloudkids]

I have a 44 gallon freshwater tank. It's a tall tank. It's 16.75" deep by 18.75" wide and about 36" tall. It has one 18" flourescent bulb. It's not nearly bright enough. So, I went online and bought a 225 light LED 12x12 aquarium light. It came today and doesn't help, just not bright enough to really illuminate the fish unless they swim up near the light. Can you please recommend a light(s) that will be in the $50 to $75 (to $100 if I have to) range? Thank you!

 

[Letsgotothezoo]

increase your budget....get a metal halide. lol.

But you need sunglasses for your freshwater fishes....j/k.

 

[EyeReef]

+1 on teh mh...through a 150 watt mh on there that would be perfect..then you can get some nice plants etc