Higher Light Levels

[timbert]

I'd first of all like to apologise for double posting this. I tried in the hardware section but had no replies. I thought that this may also be of interest to planted tank people.

I'm currently running 2 x 20w tubes in my 20g and am looking at increasing the wattage. I've noticed that the hagen twin tube ballasts are the same price for the 20w, 30w and 40w units.

Would it be possible to get a higher rated unit (ie 40w) for use with 20w tubes. If possible this would allow me to transfer the unit to a larger aquarium in the future for use with larger tubes. Does anyone have any experience with trying this or will it just blow the tubes?

Also with 4 tubes installed in a hood i'm envisaging heat problems. Has anyone tried using PC exhaust fans hooked up to a transformer to vent the hot air from the hood?

Given that many people on this forum seem to be running high light tanks, how did you guys overcome the heat issue?

 

[Themuleous]

I would never run a 20w bulb on a 40w ballast, you'll probably fine it over heats and burns out very quickly, and that could be a fire hazard. In general get the right tube for the right ballast. That said I run 18w tubes on a 20w starter so there is some play, just not a whole 20w!

You shouldn't get to much of a heat problem with T8 tubes, even four of them. Unless its a very hot day I would think you'd be OK. And yes you can use computer fans, check out the DIY forum I think there is a pinned article on how to do it.

BTW with 80w over a 20g tank you're going to need co2.

Sam

 

[timbert]

Thanks for the reply.

I am currently running DIY CO2 with my current setup with 2 WPG. As i'm experiencing poor plant growth and some algae problems i've decided to experiment with EI. My nitrate is regularly testing <5ppm so i suspect that this is the cause of the problems. Hopefully chemicals should arrive this week.

Upgrading the lighting is a thought for the future as i've recently fractured my arm. No DIY for me! Useful to know about using PC fans, I feel tinkering with this may keep me occupied til i mend!

 

[TrueNoob]

i use 6500k t12 tubes, they dont over heat much, 40watts, they dont over heat at all...

 

[iroc]

I was told that running over 80w in a 20gal isn't an issue needing CO2, it's more that ppl tend to run the lights to much for the plants. It is better to run such a set up at a max of 7 hours per day for 3 weeks then increase the time by 30 mins each week. if you start to get alge then cut it back by 30mins and you have the max time you can run that amount of light. It was explained to me by a guy at the LFS who has won many awards for his store. He explained to me which makes a lot of sense that you need to set up the plants correctly meaning high light plants in open areas and low light plants under some cover from the other ones to greater mimic the natural condictions of a water source, and in the wild how would the plants get CO2?


I have a 20 gal with 2 55watt lights andf my plants are doing great and I have no alge.

 

[Mako Man111]

I was told that running over 80w in a 20gal isn't an issue needing CO2, it's more that ppl tend to run the lights to much for the plants. It is better to run such a set up at a max of 7 hours per day for 3 weeks then increase the time by 30 mins each week. if you start to get alge then cut it back by 30mins and you have the max time you can run that amount of light. It was explained to me by a guy at the LFS who has won many awards for his store. He explained to me which makes a lot of sense that you need to set up the plants correctly meaning high light plants in open areas and low light plants under some cover from the other ones to greater mimic the natural condictions of a water source, and in the wild how would the plants get CO2?


I have a 20 gal with 2 55watt lights andf my plants are doing great and I have no alge.

Yeah I removed my DIY co2 from my 20, and I have 3.25wpg (65 watt light) and saw no incease in algae growth. I use root tabs and Seachem flourish once a week.

 

[iroc]

I have a 20 gal with 2 55watt lights andf my plants are doing great and I have no alge.

Yeah I removed my DIY co2 from my 20, and I have 3.25wpg (65 watt light) and saw no incease in algae growth. I use root tabs and Seachem flourish once a week.
[/quote]

I do the same thing. The man that told me about everything his shop is called albany aquarium website is http/www.albanyaquarium.com if your in the greater bay area California it is HIGHLY recommended you go here for fish and plants, as well as advice.

 

[plantbrain]

I was told that running over 80w in a 20gal isn't an issue needing CO2, it's more that ppl tend to run the lights to much for the plants. It is better to run such a set up at a max of 7 hours per day for 3 weeks then increase the time by 30 mins each week. if you start to get alge then cut it back by 30mins and you have the max time you can run that amount of light. It was explained to me by a guy at the LFS who has won many awards for his store. He explained to me which makes a lot of sense that you need to set up the plants correctly meaning high light plants in open areas and low light plants under some cover from the other ones to greater mimic the natural condictions of a water source, and in the wild how would the plants get CO2?


I have a 20 gal with 2 55watt lights andf my plants are doing great and I have no alge.

Most of the springs that are full of aquatic plants in FL, New Zealand and Brazil have CO2 ppm is the 25 ppm ranges...........

I know Guy from Albany pretty darn well and have for about a decade +.

It's not a bad peice of advice for folks wanting to do a lower light low tech tank, but I'd do 40w max on a 20 gal without CO2. I doubt Guy would tell folks with 4w/gal to do this.

If you add lots of plants from day one, you can by pass this step, problem is that many don't.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[excaliborg]

I have a 20 gal with 2 55watt lights andf my plants are doing great and I have no alge.

How have you managed to provide that much light? My tank has a built in hood which only accomodates an 18" tube, so all i have is that and a desk lamp shining into the tank through one side on my riccia.

Would the best bet be to make my own hood or provide a pedant?

 

[iroc]

I have a 20 gal with 2 55watt lights andf my plants are doing great and I have no alge.

How have you managed to provide that much light? My tank has a built in hood which only accomodates an 18" tube, so all i have is that and a desk lamp shining into the tank through one side on my riccia.

Would the best bet be to make my own hood or provide a pedant?

I had the same problem that is until I spent 79.00 US on a new light fixture (24 inch Jebo power compact dual bulb 55 watt fixture =110watt) and 20.00 US on a all glass top for better light inside tank