Another lighting question

katana1200

katana1200

Unhealthy obsession?
Feb 7, 2009
473
0
16
Northern Indiana, near the University of Notre Dam
So, to go along with my build I decided to ask some questions on the side. My first question is this. How can I tell how big a bulb (wattage) my fixture can handle. I don't really want to go with a CO2 system and a bunch of high tech stuff so low level light and plants will suit me just fine. This is the 72 gal bow I'm building and the log is in here somewhere if you're interested. I just got it, used, and the woman told me she had just put in new ballasts on this standard 2 bulb 48" fixture. She said the bulbs were getting old and I would probably need to replace them soon. How hot can I go? Is there any way I can get 1.5-2 wpg out of this fixture? (somewhere in the neighborhood of 110 to 144watts) If all I really want to grow is some Java fern, Java moss, dwarf hairgrass, Wendtii crypts maybe a couple others, would I need that much? Thanks for the feedback.
 
I hate replying to myself lol. Feels like highschool all over again and I'm the only one listening. Never mind all that. I was doing some reading and I may have found the answer to my own question....maybe. http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm

Can someone tell me if this product will fit into the light hood I already have. Its what I would call a standard twin bulb 48" light hood. I can add a picture if needed but the demensions are roughly 48" long 4" tall and 4.5" wide at the bottom.

If I understand this correctly the only thing that I would be using out of the current setup would be the plastic housing that's holding it all together? Then I would install new reflectors and ballasts (2 cords it looks like) and (2) 55w compact florescents. That would give me 110w over all. That would be roughly 1.5wpg and could sustain reasonable plant growth without the need for CO2 injection? Also, It would seem if i wanted to double my output to 3wpg and add CO2 injection at a later time I could potentaly order one more double 55 kit and build a custom light hood. Nothing I want to tackle right now.

Has anyone had experience with this company, or with the retrofitting of said product? If so, are there any pictures of the process? Thanks.

Here's another quick question. What color? Seems there are a few different choices. Pinks, Blues, Ultra Pure Daylight?? Any thoughts? What about night time lighting that wouldn't be stressful on the fish. Could you mount a few blue LEDs onto the hood and would they provide any substantial viewing light?
 
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heres what i did with mine

2qa72bs.jpg


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That's great! Was it a difficult process? Did you wire your two lights together to one plug? Are the on/off switche(s) convieniently located? Thanks for entertaining all my newbie questions.
 
HC (dwarf baby tears) apparently is a medium to high light only plant. I just planted some today it looks sooooo cool really light green color. It was even pearling the same day i planted it. I dont think you will get it going without higher light and co2.
 
How about dwarf sword(Echinodorus tenellus)? or java moss. If u're planning to use co2 u should get 2x96 watts to grow carpet plants like HC.
 
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