how can i cut light a bit?

**genocidex** · 12-28-2012, 07:30 PM

so i have a dual t5ho light fixture. im thinking i need to cut the strength of the light, maybe remove one of the bulbs? im looking into this because my newest fish seems to need dimmer lights. im not sure if the plants i have will survive the cut in light (going to be looking into that next) but is it possible to cut the light by removing one bulb? or maybe some sort of filter to cut less light? any ideas? im trying to thin out the bigger plants and get some small foreground plants. maybe looking into getting a few rrf for the middle of the tank

**Aeonflame** · 12-28-2012, 07:36 PM

It is not a good idea to run the fixture with just one bulb. You can probably get opaque plastic from any hardware store to use as a filter.

**genocidex** · 12-28-2012, 08:04 PM

would using 2 t5no bulbs cause any harm (to the fixture or the bulbs themselves.) seems like that would give me a medium light for the tank and most of my plants im planning on keeping are good for medium.

**Lady Hobbs** · 12-28-2012, 08:11 PM

I just leave my light on 6 hours a day. If the fixture is anything like mine, neither bulb will work unless you have two bulbs in the fixture. That way your plants are also getting the light they need, just a shorter period.

**genocidex** · 12-28-2012, 08:18 PM

ok so a single bulb is out, would 2 t5no's give me a medium light in a 55g tank? and would i be able to run the 2 bulbs instead of the ho's

**dmagerl** · 12-28-2012, 09:10 PM

Try some window screen between the tank and the light.

http://www.plantedtank.net/forums/sh...756&highlight=

**genocidex** · 12-28-2012, 09:19 PM

hmm very interesting thanks, if one layer will cut the light by 40% as stated then i think it would be ideal for my set up

**Indian Woods Angels** · 12-28-2012, 09:24 PM

Yeah I would use the screen. Good idea I think. That is easy and you are not messing up the bulbs or trapping heat in the fixture or anything. Use the aluminum though because I'd fear the plastic might get weird with any heat.

**Goes to 11!** · 12-28-2012, 10:30 PM

Two words FTW . . . --> Floating plants.

**genocidex** · 12-28-2012, 10:56 PM

i was planning on looking into some rrf for floating plants. not sure what else to look into. wouldnt full strength 2 t5ho bulbs be a bit much for some floaters?