Lighting Problems

[rowens86]

Hello

I have a 20 G long tank and the light fixture is 20 watts. The light is so dim, very unpleasing. I replaced the All-Glass aquarium 17w (T-10) lamp with a Coralife 10,000k High-Intensity purified super daylight lamp 20w (T-12), not much improvement at all. Maybe better for the plants but the tank is still just so disappointing to look at.

How can I go about adding more light? Best ways to improve lighting any ideas?



Heres a pic
http/tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=S5MGK0...Drqc4h4l5k2TGxc
try now

Thanks so much

 

[Infidel_Uk]

that link no worky for me !

if you can , change the light set up for a t5 type , i have one and the difference is simply amazing , they dont come cheap, but then does anything ?!!

if you cant get one of those , id suggest asking the fish store if you can look at the bulbs in store illuminated, so you have a better idea of what you would like , any good store would let yah !

 

[Geoff1991]

theres always the option of doing what i did and add an extra ballast

You can buy them here

Click

 

[rowens86]

Something like this?

http/www.bigalsonline.com/edealinv/servl...arison+Shopping

 

[Geoff1991]

Assuming that fits your tank yes, but work out your WPG first as if you dont have co2 and dose ferts you may need to if your WPG is too high otherwise your plants wont do too well.

 

[WoodyAqua]

Hey thinkin of doin this myself.. a what WPG should you need co2 whats the highest WPG i can go without co2?

 

[Geoff1991]

Well some could advise better than me, but i wouldn't go above 2wpg without co2.

Personally, id use co2 anyway. Not even an expensive kit just a £20 fermentation kit.

 

[WoodyAqua]

Cool thanx.. do you get the clips an ref;ector woth these kits or have u got them separately?

 

[Geoff1991]

I got them with the reflector AND the ballast...

The ballast bulb and reflector are bought separately.

 

[rowens86]

I dont think it fits my tank, my fixture now is casing 30" and the strip light is 24"

 

[Geoff1991]

You need to find a system that fits your tank then

 

[Infidel_Uk]

Assuming that fits your tank yes, but work out your WPG first as if you dont have co2 and dose ferts you may need to if your WPG is too high otherwise your plants wont do too well.

how are we supposed to work out the wpg , when there are so many types of bulb ? im using t5`s and ive got a wpg of 193 watts per m2 according to an online wpg calculator , but there was no option of adding my bulb type.....

 

[Geoff1991]

Assuming that fits your tank yes, but work out your WPG first as if you dont have co2 and dose ferts you may need to if your WPG is too high otherwise your plants wont do too well.

how are we supposed to work out the wpg , when there are so many types of bulb ? im using t5`s and ive got a wpg of 193 watts per m2 according to an online wpg calculator , but there was no option of adding my bulb type.....

WPG = Wattage / Tank size in gallons

Thats only a very rough guide which i think is actually based on t12 bulbs so obviously only use it as a very rough guide.