Hmmm Lighting For 8 X 2 X 2 Tank

[technium]

Hi

I have an 8 x 2 x 2 tank and looking what options I might have for lighting.

The tank is only tropical fish not marine if that makes a difference but any makes, models, suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks in advance

T

 

[Waterloo Kid]

For a tank that big you have two options really. If you are having an open top tank with no hood a few suspended luminaires should be fine. If you are going with a hooded tank then it'll probably be fluorescent tubes. If you are going to keep light loving plants you should definitely go with T5 tubes as they are far more intense and are cheaper to run than the 'old' T8s. Have a visit to the planted tank forum for specific lights if you are going that way as the type of bulb you use will be important. Aim at about 1.5 - 2 watts per gallon for a planted tank.
If you are going the non-planted route then bulb choice and lighting levels are only important as far as what looks good to you.
As for makes and models, just visit a few online aquarium shops and brows their stock. Arcadia do good luminaires although they are more expensive than other makes. Fluorescent ballasts (the electric gubbins that run fluorescent light tubes) are pretty much all the same.I would say though that there has been a problem noted by some members who have used Interpet 55W compact fluorescent T5 tubes and fittings. They overheat and melt! Can't see you needing the compact tubes though. Not on a tank that big.
Have fun with the tank and good luck.

WK

 

[CFC]

Lighting depends on whats in it, i run my 200g with just a single 36 watt 4 foot flourencent tube with a reflector as the fish preffer lower lighting and i have no live plants, but a planted set up would require at least 12 times this ammount of light so a bank of T5s or a metal halide lamp would be needed.

Arcadia are probably the best value for money for purpose made aquarium lighting with a large range of options available.

 

[technium]

Thanks for your help so far.

The tank will probably not have any plants, it holds my learius pictus (sp), TSN Catfish, Psuedodora Nigar and some kind of polypterus.

 

[Waterloo Kid]

In that case I'm guessing you could go for the basic fluorescent tubes then. Too much light and you're going to get a visit from the algae pixies!

WK

 

[sharp tooth]

i have 6 4ft tubes suspended over my 8x4 tank and thats more than enough light for just pred fish.

depending on how much money you wish to spend, depends on what you get.

the cheapest way i found was to buy a twin light unit and 2 tubes and build your own over head luminare for an open top tank (ie no hood but still glass covers).
or just 2 3/4ft tubes clipped under the hood in a closed top tank.

 

[stegoodall]

you could get 2 4ft luminaires, this guy is cheap on ebay Bavaria Trading i think insured postage is about £15 to UK

Stephen

 

[simonbrown403]

i have 6 4ft tubes suspended over my 8x4 tank and thats more than enough light for just pred fish.

depending on how much money you wish to spend, depends on what you get.

the cheapest way i found was to buy a twin light unit and 2 tubes and build your own over head luminare for an open top tank (ie no hood but still glass covers).
or just 2 3/4ft tubes clipped under the hood in a closed top tank.

You don't need special light since your not having plants, so 6 * 4foot standard shop fluorescent fittings would do, at a £10 a pop.

You could make a pendent type fitting and hang it over your tank would look the business for peanuts as far a aquarium lighting go's.