Additional Lights For Juwel 180

[davys]

Folks,

I'm really interested in high tech lighting techniques for my Juwel Rio 180 tank. Think I've researched my CO2 issues (thanks to this forum - now know what I'm going to do!) and I'm now keen to find out the best way of boosting my current Juwel lighting to the recommended 2.5 watts per gallon minimum needed for the high tech route.

Current lighting is 2x30 watt tubes and this isn't strong enough for the hi-tech route - I believe the easiest way would be to have another 2 x 30 watt bulbs connected to an extra electronic ballast, giving me a total of 120 watts. Would it be ok to balance these 2 extra tubes over the central brace of the tank, or is there an easier way to covert my Juwel hood so that it will correctly hold 4 bulbs? I don't think any other Juwel hoods that hold 4 bulbs will fit my Rio 180. I'd be very interested to hear how others have got round this problem.

Once again, many thanks for your input.

 

[russellbrooke]

On my juwel 260 i did the following;

1. bought an arcadia t8 controller (and bulb) such as
http/www.aquariumsuperstore.co.uk/mall/T...ccontroller.asp

2. attached the light to the back light with cable ties,
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?s=&sho...dpost&p=1267410

Hope this helps.

Russ

 

[jimbooo]

i have done the "balance on brace thing". read my rio180 journal (in sig) for pics and more info. sorry i'm at work and cant chat.

 

[davys]

Thanks for your advice guys - both solutions seem very straight forward, but I'll copy Russell's example with the cable ties and Hagen controller, I think. I take it that it's easy to remove all the lights for maintenance/access to the tank if they're all tied together, and that the 2 extra lights don't interfere too much with daily feeding?

Jim - fantastic Rio 180 in your journal...gives me something to aim for when I get the lighting and co2 equipment (I've bookmarked your journal for inspiration!).

Thanks again guys.

 

[snappinghippy]

hi this is how i did mine take two arcadia lighting tube clips,the one"s with the cut out for the plastic nut and bolt one cable tie and join together,

 

[russellbrooke]

Good idea snappyhappy.

Thanks for your advice guys - both solutions seem very straight forward, but I'll copy Russell's example with the cable ties and Hagen controller, I think. I take it that it's easy to remove all the lights for maintenance/access to the tank if they're all tied together, and that the 2 extra lights don't interfere too much with daily feeding?

As far as mainenance/access, it's really stable and i move my juwel hood out the way when i'm clean/pruning. I've had no issues as the cable ties are pulled really tight. And as they're cheap as chips it's not really any bother when changeing the bulbs.

Russ