View Full Version : Newbie lighting question
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 2:43 PM
Hi, there.
I'm planning on upgrading the lighting on my 36g bow. It's 30 inches across, and I've been looking at single power compact fixtures (65w). I ordered a glass canopy which will arrive at my LFS on Friday, so now I've been trying to figure out mounting and such.
This is the one I was looking at specifically: http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18369/si1381728/cl0/currentusasatellite3065wattpowercompactfixturesing lestripwlunarlight
I'm hoping someone here has used this fixture and can confirm that it'll mount just fine over the glass canopy before I place the order. Would I have to buy different mounting legs?
Thanks in advance!
you can just place it directly over the glass canopy no mounting needed. What kind of tank is it? planted?
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 3:41 PM
It is moderately planted. So far only low light plants, but I want them to do well.
that fixture is good as far as giving you great amount of light, but the bulb there will not do much for your plants. You will need to replace the bulb with a 6500K one
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 3:48 PM
That's the plan, cap'n. I'm going to see if my LFS can order it with the correct light. Otherwise, I'll just replace it. If you have another recommendation for a particular manufacturer, I'm glad to have it.
Also, seeing as you're in NYC, too, does our soft water restrict CO2? I was worried it might.
Ordering that light from lfs can be a haste, mainly due to the price.. Ordering yourself online can at times be better on the pocket. And if you do order online you can purchase a bulb/food/ other goodies you may need in the future for the tank.. Look into Coralife Aqualight Freshwater 30" they come in 65w and 130w, They already have bulbs that are perfect for a planted aquarium. Not sure if bigals has them at the moment on their order page but if you call them or send them an email they can give you a price quote.. for the 65w tops you will probably pay on bigals is $73-80 for it (shipping included)
And I dont really see a problem with co2 and nyc water, plants are doing fine, though ph is on the low side but doesnt really affect the fish.
Where in nyc are you?
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 4:10 PM
I also looked at the Coralife, but I didn't see that they came with mounting legs. If you say I don't need them and can just place the fixture right on the glass then I'll go ahead and order that one.
I'm in the process of moving from Midtown East out to Elmhurst, Queens. We set the tank up there (my fiance's place) in anticipation. The tap water there tests at 6.5 or so, with the kH so low that the water in the test kit never turned blue and just went straight to yellow. I'm not even sure how to measure that. The ph shifted down to 5 at one point, which was startling for me but the fish seemed to take it in stride.
I also looked at the Coralife, but I didn't see that they came with mounting legs. If you say I don't need them and can just place the fixture right on the glass then I'll go ahead and order that one.
I'm in the process of moving from Midtown East out to Elmhurst, Queens. We set the tank up there (my fiance's place) in anticipation. The tap water there tests at 6.5 or so, with the kH so low that the water in the test kit never turned blue and just went straight to yellow. I'm not even sure how to measure that. The ph shifted down to 5 at one point, which was startling for me but the fish seemed to take it in stride.
how do you test the water?? best way is to run the faucet for a few minutes then take the sample and test it. If anything you can get the water needed into a bucket and let it sit for a day or two, the ph should stabilize a bit.
About the light, mounting legs would be necessary if you didnt have a glass canopy and decided to keep your tank open. But if you have jumping fish its best to have it covered
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 4:27 PM
No jumping fish, just a jumping cat. =)
Okay, no mounting legs. This is good to know. Thanks!
I tested the water out of a bucket that sat for just a couple of minutes beforehand.
No jumping fish, just a jumping cat. =)
Okay, no mounting legs. This is good to know. Thanks!
I tested the water out of a bucket that sat for just a couple of minutes beforehand.
if the fish that you have in the tank need a more netural to alkaline ph then you can try and add some crushed coral to the filter, if your ph is already acidic, adding co2 may further bring it down.. mine went from 6.5 to "about" 5 (cant even tell, the test is an orange color)
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 4:45 PM
If the ph stayed at 6.5, the fish would be fine. They all handled 5 just fine. Heck, some of them might even prefer it (GBR and checkerboard cichlids). I'd just like it to be steady one way or another. I'm trying to be as careful as possible as I continue to assert my dominance over nature (ha!). For example, I picked up some driftwood to add and have been boiling it the past 3 nights. I expect my anxiety over the tannins will be quelled after a week or so of boiling.
I suppose it would be crazy to add the crushed coral and the CO2 and hope it all evened out, right?
what kind of wood is it? even after boiling it a few times and letting it soak it still will leech (amount depending on what kind of wood it is).. Though many say the ph swing with co2 is different than a normal ph swing as though it doesnt affect fish, i dont see it being a problem if you can maintain the ph at 5-6.5 range
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 4:51 PM
Malaysian. I will keep boiling until I see no color change, though.
ETA: I've been boiling for an hour, replacing the water, boiling for an hour, replacing the water, ad nauseum each night since I purchased the wood. So, it's more than just a few times, really.
dont overboil it because then the wood becomes very delicate and brittle.. I had mopani wood and after boiling it MANY times and soaking it for SOO long lol it still leeched and turned the water dark dark brown.
SanguineApple
02-12-2008, 5:08 PM
Darn this complicated wood for being so pretty. Don't underboil, don't overboil, don't set it on fire..
I don't know enough to talk big words yet, but is there a way to increase the buffering capability of my water? (see how this thread has shifted completely from lighting?)
the buffering i dont know much about so hopefully someone else can answer that for you..
SanguineApple
02-13-2008, 1:31 AM
Mmmyeah. I suppose I should actually start a different thread about that since it has nothing to do with lighting.