Please help me with lighting

C

crissy7399

AC Members
Mar 10, 2006
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I have a 46 bowfront, and it just has the lightfixture that came with it from petsmart. I know you need around 1.5 to 3 watts pg if you have plants. I have the following low light plants.

1 java fern (getting 1-2 more)
a bunch of 5 anachris (love-a-pet store told me it was low light-oh well),
1 java moss.

I would like to get an anubias or two as well, and that's it.
The plants are there to keep the fish happier and make the tank look nicer.

My question is what is the cheapest way I can get more light into the tank. I know my light isn't adequate enough, even for a low light planted tank. I was planning on doing the lowest necessary watts because I don't ever plan to do co2 and don't plan on doing additives unless it's necesssary.

Thanks for any help.

I've looked into retrofiting for a compact fluorescent, but that's just too much $$.
 
Check for Compact Fluorescents on eBay!

I got a 4 x 55 Watt for $85 and that was with shipping.

There's some good deals. Check out eBay Seller "Aquadeal" he's got some great stuff!


-TF
 
Java Fern, Java Moss and Annubia would be fine with the standard lights. I grew all three in my previous 29G with the standard lights. Anachrias, I am not so sure.
 
If you're handy, you can wire in some screw in sockets and use screw-in compact fluorescents. The bulbs come with their own ballast and they can be had for a couple of bucks from any hardware store. If you're lucky you can even find some in the 6500K range. I have some 20W bulbs I got at WalMart for ~$4 each.

Check mine out here:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55327
 
I think your best bet would be to look into a retro kit still. I am a fan of Ahsupply and believe one of their 2x36 watt retro kits would work well for you at $63 plus bulbs. The bulbs for these are like $16 each though. As mentioned above you can also look into making a DIY light fixture using a pair of 2 bulb screw in fixtures and the screw in flourescent lights. I have found the 6500k 20 watt bulbs at one of the local walmarts and 4 of them would put you at 80 watts. Of importance here would be some sort of reflector to properly direct the light to where you want it. I'm just guessing that your looking at having your new lighting sit where your current lighting is. If so gutting your current light fixture would probably be best, but you can also look into building a simple 4" x 36" wooden box and painting the outside to match your hood.
 
I agree with Hound, except I would go with the 55 watt kit, and if you want lower wattage, install the 36w bulbs. The only difference between the two kits is the length of the reflector, and assuming that you're 48" in length, it should fit and give you the option of getting 55w's in the future.
 
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