More light for my 35 hex tank.

[Racersk]

I have a standard 35 hex that has a standard T8 bulb - 6500k fixture that came with this tanks hood. OK for fish, but I want to plant it!

I know that the with my depth, nothing less than a pair of T5 HO will do. But with this hoods small dimensions I am finding it difficult to locate any thing but one fixture...I know there has to be more-but these are essentially what I want or brighter.

http://www.marineandreef.com/18_T5_Nova_18_inch_T5_Aquarium_Lighting_s/337.htm

Any other options out there for a visibly pleasing fixture that will fit the 19.5" x 4.25" open glass insert in my prefabbed hood? Or do I need to look for an all glass hod so I can get a good CFL in there?

Any thoughts on retrofit kits for the current 19.5x 4.25 single bulb fixture? like a single 36watt CFL? New to the over-lighting arena- I think I got the over filtering part down!

Thanks!

 

[lipadj46]

there are all types of new high output compact lights including LED, T2HO, and SHO CFL among others

 

[Racersk]

there are all types of new high output compact lights including LED, T2HO, and SHO CFL among others

That's kinda my point.

I'm new to the planted scene. I need some guidance for the best bang for my $$$ LED's are too new and pricey and DIY setups can be finicky especially around water. I am really liking the CFL straight pin 32watt single bulb-but I'm unsure of the bulbs physical size.

My major constraint being the 19.5 x 4.25" area for light.

 

[lipadj46]

check out the 6500k sho cfl that screw in a regular socket. They make 4 tube ones that are more compact than the spiral style

 

[xRage10]

Might I recommend the possibility of a metal halide pendant fixture? Something like this.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Sunlight...nlight_Supply_Inc-SL1531-FILTFIMHPDDE-vi.html

I don't mean that fixture exactly, but generally speaking, metal halide pendant fixtures always seem to be more compact. It will likely need to be hung, but something like this won't be much wider, if any wider, than your aquarium, and will give you likely more than enough light to allow you to keep aquatic plants. Just a suggestion though

 

[Racersk]

Might I recommend the possibility of a metal halide pendant fixture? Something like this.

http://www.marinedepot.com/Sunlight...nlight_Supply_Inc-SL1531-FILTFIMHPDDE-vi.html

I don't mean that fixture exactly, but generally speaking, metal halide pendant fixtures always seem to be more compact. It will likely need to be hung, but something like this won't be much wider, if any wider, than your aquarium, and will give you likely more than enough light to allow you to keep aquatic plants. Just a suggestion though

Now your thinking!

The wife has already said no hanging fixtures...to be honest, I think the heat would be more of an issue with the MH lights. This is a living room tank and must stay quiet, so no fan use either. :-( This top is just molded plastic with a glass insert in it to get light into the tank. (I'll post a picture of the hood a little later today.)

I like the idea of retrofiting my current hood, but SHO again being hot would probably melt the original plastic hood...I might have to make another out of metal and just make it to use the MH or even SHO screw in type bulbs.

Thanks for your input! This is what I need, web sites and ideas!

 

[JasonG75]

Right now the site is on Vacation but Aquatraders has a 20" T5 (4x bulbs) however you will have to replace the 2 SW bulbs. 50$.

I think though the issue with getting any T5ho light is the change you run into TO MUCH light. Which will lead you down an endless road of algae problems unless co2 is in place.

 

[Racersk]

Right now the site is on Vacation but Aquatraders has a 20" T5 (4x bulbs) however you will have to replace the 2 SW bulbs. 50$.

I think though the issue with getting any T5ho light is the change you run into TO MUCH light. Which will lead you down an endless road of algae problems unless co2 is in place.

There is a fixture I have seen that I can't find now. It is a 2 bulb VHO T-5 fixture (Nova Extreme?), but in its 18" form is only available with saltwater bulbs(10K and Actnic IIRC) This is probably what I'm going to get-I can change bulbs if needed. I can also have the lights off more cause with the normal bulb I have had it on 12hrs a day with very little algae growth.




Here are a couple of quick Blackberry pics of 'the situation'- and no, not the Jersey Shore kind. lol





And a tank shot- sorry no lights on yet and normally the shade is drawn in the window. (only about 10tiny to pea sized algae spots formed this last summer)

 

[lipadj46]

I would stay away from metal halide. You should be able to retrofit that hood with the super high output compact flourescents. Also don't forget to put a reflector in there. A light fixture without a good reflector is a waste. Here is what I'm talking about:

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/PowerCompact.html

You can get 24" odyssea T5 HO lights for cheap.

 

[Racersk]

I would stay away from metal halide. You should be able to retrofit that hood with the super high output compact flourescents. Also don't forget to put a reflector in there. A light fixture without a good reflector is a waste. Here is what I'm talking about:

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/PowerCompact.html

You can get 24" odyssea T5 HO lights for cheap.

size constrained to within "....the 19.5 x 4.25" area for light" of the tanks top.



Down to these options:

T5 HO
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-T5-Aquar...ultDomain_0&hash=item43a95e9c54#ht_1464wt_902

and

4 pin CF
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-Aquarium...ultDomain_0&hash=item45fb446466#ht_1734wt_902


Leaning towards the T5, cause I know I can get the 18" bulbs, the CF bulbs, not to sure.

What do you think?