Moonlighting!

[Ravi007]

Im setting up a new tropical tank and I have 2 tubes already (both rated 30Watts) -ones an Arcadia tropical tube,and the other is an Arcardia freshwater tube which total 60W of light (30W each). These lights I want to keep on for the day, and hopefully they are sufficient for the 120 litre tank (which is around 30 gallons).
Now I have a spare fluorescent tube starter lying around,which is again rated 30 Watts, and I wish to use this for moon light for my tropical tank so it doesnt luk too dull at night!!
The width of the tank is 36",and that's the length of the tubes I already have for daylight. Firstly -do you think a moonlight would be a good idea for a tropical tank? I.e. it wont mess around with the fish's rest patterns at night would it? I'm hoping to keep a couple of angel fish, tetras etc and make a community tank if that's of any help! And if it is a good idea, is it okay to use a marine blue actinic light as a moonlight? Because I have heard of a couple of people using one for this purpose. Lastly, again if this is feasible, what wattage lamp should I go for? The starter can take anything up to 30 Watts, but I don't want it to be too bright so the fish try and hide at night and get annoyed with it!

Im new to this forum and it seems great! Would be great if you could help in any way with this!!

thanks

 

[SkiFletch]

I'd use LED lights or a cold cathode designed for PC decoration

 

[Ravi007]

In one of my tanks im already using led lights as moonlight,but as i have a spare starter lying around i thought why not!anyone think the blue actinic light would have an undesired effect on the fish??

 

[drtim]

In one of my tanks im already using led lights as moonlight,but as i have a spare starter lying around i thought why not!anyone think the blue actinic light would have an undesired effect on the fish??

I think it would keep your fish awake, as you will still have 1watt per gallon

 

[idlefingers]

I use an actinic bulb for a moonlight. My fish seem to rest and sleep normally with it on. On the package it said it was suitable for use as a moonlight on freshwater or marine so I figured it'd be fine.

 

[Ravi007]

I use an actinic bulb for a moonlight. My fish seem to rest and sleep normally with it on. On the package it said it was suitable for use as a moonlight on freshwater or marine so I figured it'd be fine.

which bulb are ya using?and whats the watts per gallon ratio?

 

[idlefingers]

errm.. I think it's a 30w bulb and it's over 135g so it works out at something like 0.2wpg. Never thought about wpg with my moonlight before.

 

[andywg]

A 36" tube over a 36" tank will be too bright.

Many fish see better in blue than red, so they will be able to see the blue light better than you can. I have had a 42" tube on a 48" tank before, and the tank was far too bright to consider as a nightlight. If you really want to, use it as an evening light, but make sure it is not always on.

 

[Ravi007]

A 36" tube over a 36" tank will be too bright.

Many fish see better in blue than red, so they will be able to see the blue light better than you can. I have had a 42" tube on a 48" tank before, and the tank was far too bright to consider as a nightlight. If you really want to, use it as an evening light, but make sure it is not always on.

right then, im just gna try and find the smallest moonlight available and use that.the interpret ones do state they can be used as moonlight in freshwater aquariums so I hope its okay for it!

 

[Lateral Line]

Be aware that Actinics can stimulate certain algae types. I personally believe Actinics have no place in a freshwater tank.

 

[idlefingers]

Be aware that Actinics can stimulate certain algae types. I personally believe Actinics have no place in a freshwater tank.

Damn.. I thought that might be the case. I have bad black coloured algae growing and have tried a number of tactics to clear it but it doesnt seem to go.. do you reckon it's my moonlight then?