How many watts per gallon is TOO much?

Riiz said:
The 32watt bulbs are actually more powerful (more output) than 40 watts, T8 > T12 btw. Usually Walmarts have the shoplights that have enough of a lip to support the bulbs off of the glass.
Click to expand...


What did you think about the lights in the link I posted? Would that work?
 
Ahahaa, that was the one I was actually looking at because it kind of had an edge to it that would lift it off the glass but it was only 64watts, l ol. Which I guess now it okay because it's a 78bulb? Do you think I could spray paint that black?

I also wanted to post this link again and get your thoughts since I guess the link was down last night?
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100063004&N=10000003+90401+502059


Thanks guys---again, any and all input is welcome!!
 
That lense does say Clear finish. If what I'm seeing is a clear smooth finish. As in just plain transparent acrylic. It should work just fine.

And yes, you could paint the fixture. Actually, painting it black and leaving the raised diamonds chrome, crossed my mind while looking at it.
 
emilyekk said:
Ahahaa, that was the one I was actually looking at because it kind of had an edge to it that would lift it off the glass but it was only 64watts...
Click to expand...

It says... Uses (2) 40 watt T12 bulbs

Also... Comes with chain hangers.

The hangers would be nice. On maintenance day, you could raise it high enough to work in the tank. Which is good to see what your doing. ;)

Oh yea, and the Lense you were looking at.
It said...
Acrylic replacement lens. This has item no. 2551983, use with 324925 and 324930 light fixtures only.

I couldn't find those product numbers. This might not/ probably won't, work with that fixture?

Edit: Not that you couldn't make it work! ;)
 
SMinNC said:
It says... Uses (2) 40 watt T12 bulbs

Also... Comes with chain hangers.

The hangers would be nice. On maintenance day, you could raise it high enough to work in the tank. Which is good to see what your doing. ;)

Oh yea, and the Lense you were looking at.
It said...
Acrylic replacement lens. This has item no. 2551983, use with 324925 and 324930 light fixtures only.

I couldn't find those product numbers. This might not/ probably won't, work with that fixture?
Click to expand...


As for that link, I actually meant that as a separate lighting fixture, it took 2 32W bulbs too and was just encased in that housing, it was the only picture I could find.... it reminds me of lights in a grade school classroom or above a sink...

I can't hang anything from our ceiling unfortunately because it would block a shelp behind the tank (full of dvd's) and the roommates would like that, lol. BUT - I was wondering if I did get that, and then down the line bought a canopy to cover the tank, could I chain it into the canopy perhaps? My mom thought that would make it get way to hot but I didn't know for sure.

And SMinNC, I don't know why it says uses 40 watt bulbs but I thought thats what it used too, but when I pysically went to home depot it said 2 32W and I could even find anything with a greater wattage than that... :(
 
Something to keep in mind - as others have suggested - is that the 'watt per gallon' rule was derived when incandescent lighting was pretty much the only option. The light output per watt of flourescent bulbs is much greater. It also varies based on the type of flourescent. You're current lighting should be fine for those plants. If you want to upgrade when you can afford it, that should be fine, too, but you might need to look at co2 and ferts.
 
Emily- is 80 watts enough? Because the cfl upgrade I just did is 80 watts, cost $25, and I swear to God it's really easy. I'll even walk you through the whole thing.

ETA: Assuming you have *some* hood- you do right, the one that came with it?
 
clb2196 said:
Emily- is 80 watts enough? Because the cfl upgrade I just did is 80 watts, cost $25, and I swear to God it's really easy. I'll even walk you through the whole thing.

ETA: Assuming you have *some* hood- you do right, the one that came with it?
Click to expand...


Yes, I have the two standard hoods that come with a 55 gallon...

I am afraid I know nada about cfl's... enlighten me. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom