Lighting issue

**fishn00b** · 01-18-2013, 02:05 AM

The ballast that came with my new tank only has space for 1 flourescent tube. Currently just a 24'' T8 17W. I am having trouble finding ANYTHING this size that has more than 20W. I have found a few 24'' that were at least in the 6700k spectrum, but still only 17W. The tank is also 21'' high.

I know the wpg rules and I know 17 is not going to cut it no matter what the spectrum especially with the height and no reflector. Anyone ever seen a 24'' tube that had higher wattage?

**madagascariensis** · 01-18-2013, 02:12 AM

compact flourescents seem like the way to go for you.
they provide intense light for limited spaces but however, they won't fit a normal flourescent socket because they are screw-in light bulbs.
you likely will have to modify your hood for that.

or if you have to modify it why not just scrap it and get a good t5 light fixture designed for growing plants? whatever's cheaper i guess.

**fishn00b** · 01-18-2013, 02:13 AM

Originally Posted by madagascariensis

compact flourescents seem like the way to go for you.
they provide intense light for limited spaces but however, they won't fit a normal flourescent socket because they are screw-in light bulbs.

Yeah, exactly what I use in my 10g planted. Have not had to deal with flourescent sockets before so I am just discovering how limited my options are, wondering if it's very difficult to convert it into 2 regular sockets.

**genocidex** · 01-18-2013, 02:23 AM

what sized tank is this and what light intensity are you looking for?

**korith** · 01-18-2013, 02:24 AM

Stock light fixtures that come with aquariums are really only meant to light up the tank so you can see the fish. For growing plants usually need to move up to a different light fixture.

If you want to grow just low light plants your current fixture is probably enough. Check out this database http://plantgeek.net/plantguide.php for a list of low light plants for ideas.

**genocidex** · 01-18-2013, 02:34 AM

wait korith are you sure you arent thinking of pc lights not cfl? cfl are the spiral lights you can put in basic light sockets....

**korith** · 01-18-2013, 02:39 AM

Originally Posted by genocidex

wait korith are you sure you arent thinking of pc lights not cfl? cfl are the spiral lights you can put in basic light sockets....

Power compacts or compact fluorescents diff wording wording, meant same thing, just meant bulbs that look like this

old and obsolete, finding replacements will be a challenge with those since some stores have cleared the shelves of those bulbs.

**fishn00b** · 01-18-2013, 02:39 AM

The tank is a 36g bow front. I have experience with java ferns, mosses, anubas nana, swords...nothing crazy. I really wanted to do a carpet with some type of grass in this tank, not sure if that is low light or not. Then a couple larger plants in the background.

Was trying to avoid spending another $80 on a new 24'' ballast if at all possible. But I think given the height of the tank I may have no option as I doubt even low light plants would flourish with a 24 watt bulb which is the absolute highest I can find. As seen here: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...2#.UPjD5Cdpc50

**korith** · 01-18-2013, 02:49 AM

Originally Posted by fishn00b

The tank is a 36g bow front. I have experience with java ferns, mosses, anubas nana, swords...nothing crazy. I really wanted to do a carpet with some type of grass in this tank, not sure if that is low light or not. Then a couple larger plants in the background.

Was trying to avoid spending another $80 on a new 24'' ballast if at all possible. But I think given the height of the tank I may have no option as I doubt even low light plants would flourish with a 24 watt bulb which is the absolute highest I can find. As seen here: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...2#.UPjD5Cdpc50

If you really want a grass or other type of carpet you'll have to go with a better light fixture. Best to look around for deals or for ideas on the light fixture to go with. You are right the height of a tank is a concern, a two bulb fixture.

Another issue is some plants really need co2 added to the tank, in order to grow well. Microsword can be a pain to grow without co2 and good light. You could try dwarf saggitarius, can take just a few months to grow a nice thick mat of it with ferts and good lighting.

**Goes to 11!** · 01-18-2013, 02:56 AM

Originally Posted by fishn00b

Anyone ever seen a 24'' tube that had higher wattage?

No, The length and power is pretty standard so you wont see much more

Originally Posted by korith

Would most likely have to get a glass top and then get a light fixture with 2 bulbs for it. Compact fluorescents do provide great lighting, but it's old tech, many stores don't even carry those light fixtures or bulbs anymore. Petsmart and I think even petco here cleared their shelves of the bulbs over a year ago. If you can pick up a used cf light fixture it might be worthwhile.

. & +1 to that idea.

Originally Posted by genocidex

wait korith are you sure you arent thinking of pc lights not cfl? cfl are the spiral lights you can put in basic light sockets....

The spiral lights are CFL. So also are what he is talking about, The bulbs look like this:

The CFL light I have is this one:http://www.aquarium-supply.biz/Coral...p/res53114.htm

They use some power but are solid lighting :-D. Find some used

You will need better lighting than your ballast will provide to do a carpet & your right that the bulb you linked will require a new ballast.