How Can I Cram More Light In To This Tank?

[xoedusk]

Is it possible to put more light into this tank? Here are pics of how it is currently?
As you can see, it has a small window for the light and only 1 fluorescent socket.

 

[nukeonekitty]

damn I cannot find the site, but there is a site that has bulbs that put out huge amounts of wattage. It was like Dr. Something... someone will know what I am talking about!

 

[Tsi_User]

in that particular fixture, probably not but you can buy another fixture that is about that same size with two flourescent bulbs in itw. Or you can take out the insides and make your own double fixture in there.

If you do but another fixture without replacing you hood though your glass in the hood itself might not be large enough to let both lights shine into the tank, this is what happened to me.

If that tank is a 20 long check out fosters and smith, I got my 2 20w fixture from then for $40

 

[xoedusk]

It is indeed a 20 long. Thanks for the info - will check out their website.

 

[xoedusk]

damn I cannot find the site, but there is a site that has bulbs that put out huge amounts of wattage. It was like Dr. Something... someone will know what I am talking about!

I accidently posted this in another form/thread thing. A reply recommended Dr. foster smith?

 

[vic]

Compact fluorescent fixture (CF) super efficient.
Vic

 

[xoedusk]

Compact fluorescent fixture (CF) super efficient.
Vic

Thanks for your post, vic.

One limitation of our tank is that we use AquaClear Hang on Back filters, as you can see on the pictures. So I think we're limited to keeping the existing canopy system on there, but getting different strip lights. (I think? I'm learning all of this now).

Is this right?

 

[xoedusk]

It's possible I'm crazy!!!

I can't find any 30" (for a 20 gallon long or a 30 gallon fluorescent hood) replacement bulbs on sale online. Are these even made?

 

[Spank]

It's possible I'm crazy!!!

I can't find any 30" (for a 20 gallon long or a 30 gallon fluorescent hood) replacement bulbs on sale online. Are these even made?

what fish you got in there? if you have non-jumpers I say ditch the hood altogether and invest in som luminaires or make your own hood. T5 lighting is the way forward if you want lots of light, Arcadia do good regular T5 Luminaires and tubes, and interpet's power compact range is rather good as well!!

 

[wendywc]

I agree with vic. Sounds like a compact flourescent is what you want.

Did you see their 30" 55W compact light strip here? http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...p;N=2004+113345

If you can't find the bulb and it's not enough wattage... sounds like it's time to upgrade.

 

[xoedusk]

what fish you got in there? if you have non-jumpers I say ditch the hood altogether and invest in som luminaires or make your own hood. T5 lighting is the way forward if you want lots of light, Arcadia do good regular T5 Luminaires and tubes, and interpet's power compact range is rather good as well!!

Platies, rasboras, panda cories. Not too worried about them jumping out, but we have cats. And want to keep the cost of new lights down as far as possible.

I agree with vic. Sounds like a compact flourescent is what you want.

Did you see their 30" 55W compact light strip here? http/www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod...p;N=2004+113345

If you can't find the bulb and it's not enough wattage... sounds like it's time to upgrade.

Yeah upgrading sounds the best solution, except for the cost involved.
Tsi_User gave me this link. Do you all think it would work? I worry about the lights not making it through the narrow light window.

 

[l337dave]

reflectors make a big differance to how much light you get into your tank (it's something like 30% of the light the bulb puts out without them).

don't know how long you've had the tube and if you know but they need to be changed about every 6 months, if it's old you'll see a big differance when you change it.

don't be too caught up with WPG tho it's misleading. It doesn't take into account the depth of your tank the ammount of the light that is in the correct spectrum to actually be used by your plants....etc



dave.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

What I did with mine was I took another ligh strip and took the hood part that flips open and put the light strip there.

 

[xoedusk]

reflectors make a big differance to how much light you get into your tank (it's something like 30% of the light the bulb puts out without them).

don't know how long you've had the tube and if you know but they need to be changed about every 6 months, if it's old you'll see a big differance when you change it.

don't be too caught up with WPG tho it's misleading. It doesn't take into account the depth of your tank the ammount of the light that is in the correct spectrum to actually be used by your plants....etc



dave.

The bulb/hood was purchased about 2 or 3 weeks ago.
It is just a normal cheap fluorescent bulb.. so probably not designed for photosynthesis.

Would like to get the wattage up to a point where a do it yourself carbon dioxideCO2 would be helpful. Reflectors seem like a great idea. But to be used alone with the existing setup - have a feeling it won't be enough. Perhaps upgrading to two 20 watt cheapo-fluorescents and using reflector would help?

What I did with mine was I took another ligh[t] strip and took the hood part that flips open and put the light strip there.

Great idea... do you have a picture of this, Discus? Would love to see it in action. Don't bulbs have to be covered by at least glass to protect the electronics?

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

sure i'll get you tonight!

I'm going to put it under the members aquarium pictures because that will be easier for me. It will be intitled "dual lighting for xoedusk"