Lighting Upgrade for Eclipse 5 Corner?

[WinnipegDragon]

I've noticed that my Crypt Wendtii is already starting to melt, so I'd like to see if I can get more light into this tank.

Has anyone upgraded the light on their Eclipse before? It has an 11w CFL right now, so I'm wondering if one of the AH Supply 13w CFL would work/fit, or if I should just get a seperate CFL desk lamp and place it behind the tank...

[BucJason]

I have the exact same tank, but I'm not sure .

Read inside the casing of the light, somewhere it will tell you the max wattage you can use for that fixture. 11 watt may not be the max and then it would be a simple upgrade.

[Addict]

That's not going to add that much more light (another 2 watts). But what it may do is get more of the light in the tank. The reflectors are supposedly really good on those kits (mine is in the mail).

The ahsupply.com 13w kit is 8"L x 3"W x 1.5"H. Measure your hood. All else fails, contact ahsupply.com.

What is the Kelvin rating on your current CF? Using any fertilizers, CO2, etc.?

[Marinemom]

There could be another reason that the crypt wendtii is melting. Has it been moved recently? These plants absolutely hate being moved. Even if it does melt, there is a really good possibility that it will grow back if enough of the rhinzome is in tact.

Marinemom

[WinnipegDragon]

Yeah, I heard back from AH and they said not to do anything. Apparently, the hoods couldn't handle the heat from any additional wattage.

Also, I didn't realize that crypts would melt from a move, so that's likely the root cause of my problems. I had read about crypt melting and only read that it was related to a lack of light.

Hopefully it will come back after a short while!

Thanks for the advice.

[BucJason]

You could try the other idea. Mount a desk lamp outside that shines into the tank.

It would probably do the trick.

[Mgamer20o0]

try the power compact screw in bulbs like they sell at walmart.