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what type of lighting do you use for your planted tanks?

Discussion in 'Aquatic Plants & Planted Tanks' started by Anonymous, Aug 9, 2008.

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  1. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    OK that now that that answered, my first question how would I upgrade my light? I simple can't replace my 20 watt bulb with a 40 watt can I????
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #41
  2. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    If this is the standard light that came with the tank....no. You have a couple of options:

    1) Buy a new light for the tank...few extra options available here (i.e. hood or without hood).

    or

    2) get a retro kit to change out the balasts. I have not myself attempted this but many others have.
     
    James0816, Feb 19, 2009
    #42
  3. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    does any one know how to do a retro kit or have any links to a retro kit that I could check out???

    if I do buy light it would be with out the hood see how I have one.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #43
  4. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    Check out ahsupply.com for the kits.
     
    James0816, Feb 19, 2009
    #44
  5. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    Thank, would it be possible to get what I need at a hardware store??
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #45
  6. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    No
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 19, 2009
    #46
  7. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    dang, any other sites other then ahsupplies.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #47
  8. GOT MTS?

    GOT MTS? Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    I got my light from <a class="postlink" href="http://www.drsfostersmith.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">www.drsfostersmith.com</a>
     
    GOT MTS?, Feb 19, 2009
    #48
  9. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    You can always build you canopy instead of retro. Then you can get the materials at HD or Lowes. Use some CFL bulbs but then again, I have not done this yet myself so I can't assist much on that aspect. There's always options thats for sure...usually the DIY route is more economical...and satisfying too! ;o)
     
    James0816, Feb 19, 2009
    #49
  10. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    in order to get improve my lighting must I go to compact bulbs or can i use a stander Fluorescent bulb.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #50
  11. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    That is very true... and you can pick yourself SFL of CFL. I went this options myself and I run SFL because I do have a 6 foot long tank. It is all up to you and what you have room to do.
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 19, 2009
    #51
  12. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    Not at all....as a DIY the choice is yours. Just use at least 6500k daylight blubs whether fluorescent or CFL. Being that it is a 20g, regular T5 or T8 would be just fine. Unless you want to go super high tech. Then you can look at the HO bulbs.
     
    James0816, Feb 19, 2009
    #52
  13. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    dang this is starting to sound complex, I hope it easier then it sounding right now. do you think my local ace might be able to help my with the project. Also what kind of material would the reflector been?
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #53
  14. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    My reflector is white paint, here is my hood I made.... of course yours will be much smaller and you will need to use different lights (I used 4' bulbs) but the idea is still the same:

    <a class="postlink-local" href="http://www.theexoticfish.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=929" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">viewtopic.php?f=29&t=929</a>
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 19, 2009
    #54
  15. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    could I make it a dual light, would that even make a difference, in my watts per gallon or any thing.

    so in another words, if I use 2 20 in place of a 40? or would it just be better to go with one 40.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #55
  16. LemonDiscus

    LemonDiscus Active Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    Yes, that would be fine... 2 20's will give you 40 watts... 3 60 etc... that is how you can control your lighting.
     
    LemonDiscus, Feb 19, 2009
    #56
  17. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    OK I'll look in to what would be cheaper a single 40 set up or a double 20 set up.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #57
  18. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    this is nice I'm able to get a triple light fixture for 25 dollars, and it should hopefully should be able to fit on to my tank. but I'm going to see if we can back it down from a 54 watt total to a 45 watt total. I don't want to get into CO2 unless it is a cheap DIY CO2, I'm not ready to have a CO2, room wise or budget wise.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 19, 2009
    #58
  19. James0816

    James0816 New Member

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    Re: OK my new plans

    pressurized co2 is more expensive up front. but in the long run it pays off. For DIY CO2, you would be using 2 bottles (more likely a 2l and 20oz soda bottle)
     
    James0816, Feb 20, 2009
    #59
  20. Anonymous

    Anonymous Thread Starter Guest

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    Re: OK my new plans

    OK it may pay off for it self in the end, but there still the matter of room.
     
    Anonymous, Feb 20, 2009
    #60
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