Adding Extra Lights

[alex1]

I have recently set up my new 160L tank, it has been going for about 4 weeks now and all is going well- (I hope!).
The water is crystal clear - always has been,use ehiem external filter.
Ammonia 0, nitrite 0(or as best I can tell by matching the colours on the test kit) nitrate varies from 5- 15, depending on water changes(quite high in my tap water)
ph 7.2, KH 14.
I have planted quite heavily with fast growing plants to start it off, and I am now considering getting some more demanding plants and trying for some of the beautiful tank set ups I have seen on this forum.
I think I may need to up my lighting - at 1.4wpg at the moment.
Having read loads and looked on the internet, I am totally confused. I really would like to know how you fit your extra lights in your hoods
Also what would be best type of lights - I do not want really high lighting as I do not think I would have the time or expertise to keep such a tank in tip top condition.
I have hardly any algea at the moment - a very small amount shortly after setting up, but that has now gone. Plants at the moment growing well - but have stopped pearling(? correct word) recently.
Thanks

 

[black_bull]

Sound like you're doing a very good job even with the low lighting. It's a good idea to add lights, as they will make your plants grow faster and denser.

The best type of light for your situation is probably power compact (PC). You might go with something like http/www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=ES53005, which comes in different sizes depending on how long your tank is (how long is it btw?) At $65, its a very good buy, although you will have to buy the bulbs separately. Since it provides 65W of fairly intense full-spectrum light, your tank would have a total of about 123W (if my math is correct), bringing you up to a perfect 2.963W/g.

These numbers will be different depending on what you choose, but you get the idea.

As for where to put additional lights, I would say that most people with multiple light fixtures that sit directly on the tank don't use a plastic "hood" like the ones that usually come standard with tanks at the pet store, but instead rely on a glass cover placed over the aquarium, on top of which you can put as many light strips as you want.

Hope this helps. Good luck with the plants and your tank!

 

[alex1]

Thank you,
Do you use just a sheet of glass placed directly on the tank, and if, so do you have to take it off each time you want to feed, clean, change water?
Also what type of fitting do you use to attatch the lights to, I have not seen this type of thing over here except for lights that are suspended from the ceiling, and this would not be suitable in my case.

 

[kamel_007]

But,
i think the extra lighting will hurt the plant's?? is'nt it??

 

[alex1]

Sorry, I don't understand, what you mean.

 

[kamel_007]

Sorry, I don't understand, what you mean.

i mean maybe the over lighting will damaged the plant's.... just thinking>>