New light?

[ticklemepunk473]

I need some explicit instructions on how to install a new light since mine isn't cutting it as far as plants go. it is too weak and although I can't find any info on how many watts ( the tank was from a garage sale and I never bothered to ask) I know that it is not strong enough. I have a normal hood on it right now am I going to be able to use this hood with a new light or do I have to get a new hood too?

[odessa]

If you could give us the size of the tank and the length of the light you have now it would help us to help you.

[ticklemepunk473]

Sorry it is a 30 gallon w/ about a 2 foot hood light on it

[DIYMatt]

Well, some more information as to what you want to grow in the tank would also be helpful. A good rule of thumb is 1.5-2watts per gallon of compact flourescent lighting for most low to mid light plants. If you want to grow the higher light plants(most reds and low growing foreground plants) you will need more light.

But, in answer to your question about whether you could reuse your existing hood, yes you could. But, you would have limited options with the DIY lighting to fit in that little hood. Which would in turn limit what you could grow in the tank. Your best option long term IMO would be to build or buy a new hood with Compact flourescent lighting. Check at www.ahsupply.com for those.

Give me a little more information about what you want to do and how much you have to spend and I can give you some of my recommendations.

[ticklemepunk473]

yeah I don;t have a ton to spend on this but if I got a light could I just suspend it from the ceiling and have the top of the tank open? or would this let out too much heator be at risk for stuff falling in to the tank?

[MrGoodbytes]

You could get a simple shop-light setup from a hardware store with the total wattage your looking for. The bulbs from there don't last as long, but they work fine for me.

Decide what kind of plants you want to grow, and then get the hardware to suit them.

Graeme