New Light Question

[Hungriee]

I just ordered a 30" Current USA Satellite 1x65W light for my 20G Long Tank. I did some calculations so I'll have about 3.25 w/ gallon. Can I change the bulb to something less so I can have less wattage per gallon since, I don't have a CO2 system on my tank and wouldnt want algae booming?or plants needign more CO2 bc of the light.

[Mgamer20o0]

well you can raise it off the tank. also run it for 8 hours a day. might also want to look into excel as a liquid form of co2.

[romaric]

Hungriee, I use the same watts on my 20 gallon long. I DO run DIY C02, and my lights are on for 10 hours a day. I agree with MGamer...you could just run your lights for a less time, but that might make plants grow that much slower.

Maybe the option is to RUN C02, liquid or DIY?

You can pick up that Nutrafin C02 Ladder for $27.
http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/215438/product.web

That's what I use and so far, it's been golden.
If you do, don't buy extra c02 packets. Just make your own with yeast, baking soda and sugar :)

[Hungriee]

How do I make my own CO2 Packets using yeast, baking soda and sugar?

[romaric]

The recipe for DIY C02:
Stabilizer: 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
Activator: 1/8 teaspoon Active Dry Yeast
Sugar: 1/2 cup

Put that in the grey plastic jar and should be working within 6-10 hours. Mine took a while, but now I get 1 bubble every 4 seconds..

[Hungriee]

The grey plastic jar is the canister that comes with the Nutrafin System you linked above right?

Do I need to add any water ?

[romaric]

hehe, yeah, must add water. The Jar comes with the Nutrafin System. Directions come with the box, but it's pretty easy. Add yeast, baking soda and sugar mixture into jar (or just use the packets that come with the system for now). Add water to line and gently stir (explained in directions of product). Insert tubing into jar. Insert other end of tubing onto ladder. Insert ladder into tank. Sing a song...Do a jig...presto! C02. :D

[Hungriee]

Thanks for the help Romaric.. Your tank looks excellent - its definitely a motivation for me.

[romaric]

THANK YOU! yeah, I'm loving my tank! I'm still a newbie, but learning lots. Everyone here is super helpful. I'll help with anything else, just holla.

[Danyal]

you could put in a 55w bulb(maybe even a 36w bulbs if the pins would fit, i think they would) but you'd just be overdriving the bulb to 65w or 55w depending on the ballast and causing it to heat up more, reducing the life and possibly become a fire hazard.

[Mgamer20o0]

if your going to do diy co2 might as well save your self money and build one your self. i think its a wast to spend all that money on it. what kind of filter do you have?

[Hungriee]

Im running 2 established penguin 100 filters.

[Mgamer20o0]

hob most often gas off co2. if your going to run diy co2 make sure your tank is full at all times. maybe a sponge to cut back surface agitation