3 gallon eclipse system lighting

[830]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3848&N=2004+62760

the product info says the lighting for the system is 6 watts. i know this isnt necessarily enough to grow plants but i was wondering if i could find a higher wattage bulb to replace the regular one with? maybe one with 8w+. can i find a bulb to replace this with or will the system only take 6 watt eclipse bulbs?

 

[webcricket]

It will only take the Eclipse 6 watt bulbs. You'd have to retrofit another light fixture in the hood to get more lighting.

I noticed your other post looking for lighting for hair grass in a nano tank...

http://www.petsmart.com/global/prod...1170881720694&itemNo=2&In=Fish&N=2030056&Ne=2

The 2 gallon tank sold there will take up to a 15 watt screw-in compact fluorescent light bulb.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i would just go with a power compact screw in bulbs. your able to put a higher watt lights in there.

 

[radiocognition]

I have a 2.5 nano tank and its incredible for my plants. I just went to Petsmart and grabbed a standard box with a glass top for nine bucks. As for lighting in a nano tank, things get a bit more complex the smaller the tank is. Usually, in a larger tank, you want to shoot for about 2.5 watts per gallon to grow most plants, however in a nano it needs to be much higher. On mine I have 18 watts of PC lighting, and I have no problems with algae. I use the Coralife mini compact system. Its a pretty popular light to use with these small tanks and only cost me 25 bucks. In the end, getting a glass tank allowes you to have a more customizible product that I think looks alot better than some trashy plastic box.

 

[Native American]

There's not much you can do with the lighting in an Eclipse System 3.

I've got two of them, and the ballasts are potted (sealed in epoxy) and reside under the black plastic hood, above waterline. This is not a happy situation, since I'm constantly dealing w/ heat rejection problems during the summer. On the plus side, no heater needed in winter.

Best to go with a non-integrated system, as it will cost less in the end. That's been my humble experience.

v/r, N-A

 

[mooman]

If your stuck with the eclipse then try planting the tank with java fern java moss and anubius nana. You would be surprised how nice a planted tank you can put together using low light plants. I know the javafern dosn't look great in the store, but stick it in a bogwood nook and give it a couple months. It will grow to cover the wood and supply you with plenty of clipping to plant in other places around the tank.