View Full Version : Thinking about new lights
Paintballer99
11-15-2009, 11:54 AM
Hey,
I was thinking about getting some new lights for my 20 gallon long. Right now, I have 2 20 watt fixtures on it, and the plants grow very well. I do have DIY C02, so theres not that many problems. I would only like to spend at most $100 for it. Maybe from drsfostersmith? I saw a few on there, but I just want to know what you guys think.
Thanks
timwag2001
11-15-2009, 1:32 PM
i dont think that you should worry about more lights. i think 40wpg over a 20 long is plenty. if i were you i would invest in a pressurized system.
A 2x24W T5HO fixture would work well, but it might leave the ends of the tank a bit dim, especially due to the tank depth. I have one on my 29 and the ends aren't noticeably darker, but the tank is 6" taller too. You could raise the fixture up several inches though.
Paintballer99
11-15-2009, 7:09 PM
Ok, I just really don't like how the light just looks overall, with the "yellow" feel of the bulb. I'll look more at the website
timwag2001
11-15-2009, 7:27 PM
could you just get a new bulb?
could you just get a new bulb?
+1 Cheaper and much better suggestion.
echoofformless
11-16-2009, 1:04 AM
I think it depends on what you're trying to grow.
I am a big advocate of great numbers of lumens, but not if you're growing shady plants.
Again about the lumens - wattage is not the key - lumens are the key. A T5 NO or HO will give out more light per watt than a T8, T10 or T12. And T5 HO gives off more lumens per watt than PC.
One fixture that I have found to be wonderful as well as sleek is the Coralife NO T5 line. Here is the 30"
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18360/si1379085/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight30
Relatively inexpensive to buy, not as expensive to run or as hot as an HO - a great choice for a relatively lo-tech setup. I might consider keeping one of your 20w fixtures and adding this one. You will have some very effective lighting and be able to grow pretty much any medium to medium high light plants.
Naturally the suggestion to go pressurized is always a good one. But when you think about it, the expense and hassle of something like that for a smaller tank is really not at all practical unless you're growing some really demanding species in a very heavily planted system. And even then - my 20g long is overplanted, receives >5wpg of T5 HO light, gets no CO2 at all and still thrives with lush, pearling plants. So surely while CO2 can do amazing things, you can almost do completely without it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRVHJz3x6tA
Paintballer99
11-17-2009, 8:42 PM
Ok, all my plants are growing fine at 40 wpg. So, i don't need to go much higher. I"m not too sure about the k rating. A new bulb will fix the problem? WHat type should I get? If not I may try that fixture or this one....
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+13822+16770&pcatid=16770
timwag2001
11-17-2009, 8:55 PM
i'm confused do you want a new bulb or fixture?
what kind of fixture do you have now?
Paintballer99
11-17-2009, 8:58 PM
I just have a 2 fluorescent fixtures. I'm just wondering which way will be the better way to go.
coach_z
11-17-2009, 10:18 PM
changing the k rating can eliminate your yellow problem. i feel that you will get the best results by changing your bulb and adding co2.
Paintballer99
11-18-2009, 9:47 PM
Ok, can I buy a bulb at a petsmart? And if I don't go press. co2, will the algae overgrow?
timwag2001
11-18-2009, 9:56 PM
you can buy bulbs at petsmart. i would go with bulbs that have a 6,700K rating. no you prob wont get a crazy algae growth as long as y ou keep your ferts in check. but co2 will help to prevent it to begin with.
peanutbowl
11-18-2009, 11:09 PM
You should probably look into 10,000 k bulbs if you are not liking the yellow feel. 6700 k is very yellowish:idea: if you ask me.
Stick with 6500-6700K, 10000K has it's own problems. Try daylight bulbs from your local home improvement or lighting center. They are generally cheaper than "aquarium"' bulbs.
Paintballer99
11-20-2009, 8:47 PM
Ok, I'll look into a 6500k bulb, and see how it looks
Stick with 6500-6700K, 10000K has it's own problems. Try daylight bulbs from your local home improvement or lighting center. They are generally cheaper than "aquarium"' bulbs.
What problems?
Paintballer99
11-27-2009, 4:48 PM
What if I did one 10000 k bulb and one of the bulbs I have now?
timwag2001
11-27-2009, 5:12 PM
how old are your bulbs? after 1 year they should be tossed anyway
Paintballer99
11-27-2009, 7:15 PM
One is about a year old. The other one is maybe, 3 months old.
timwag2001
11-27-2009, 7:17 PM
what type of bulb is the 3 month old one? any idea? k rating?
timwag2001
11-27-2009, 7:20 PM
change out the old bulb for sure and then the newer one when you get a chance. flip the fixture over and look at the bulb. you said one has a yellow color to it. are they both the same color?
67chevelle
11-27-2009, 7:38 PM
What if I did one 10000 k bulb and one of the bulbs I have now?
You could do one 10000k and one 6500 or 6700k.
Paintballer99
11-27-2009, 8:07 PM
Ok. First I'm going to try two 6500k bulbs, then maybe try that.
kj5kb
11-28-2009, 12:23 PM
What problems?
RE 10000K vs 6500K..
IMHO 10000K is a bit blue and can tend toward unwanted algae growth.
I'd use 6500 for a planted Freshwater tank...and daylight tubes are fairly cheap.
I do have a few LifeGlo2 tubes in use that I bought cheap...75%off. The rest are mostly Phillips Alto Daylight (F32T8DX or F40T12DX) tubes from Home Depot. They work great.