lighting question...

[jschall]

Ok, I have an all-glass or aqueon (i think aqueon bought aga) oak full hood with a twin-tube 48" fluorescent fixture that matches it. It's too much light for my bichir tank, and it won't light up with only one tube in it. I had to use two layers of paper towels under it to get the more subdued lighting I wanted. I'm not using the paper towels as a permanent solution, since they're a possibly fire hazard (doubtful, but possible.)

Is there any way I can lower the lighting in a more energy-efficient way, without spending too much?

 

[Deaths Sting]

u can buy some hornwort it looks nice and will block some of the light. heres my 15 gallon

 

[JL]

Buy glass canopies and get some cheap tint, then layer to the desired lighting level

 

[jschall]

Buy glass canopies and get some cheap tint, then layer to the desired lighting level

I want some way to reduce the power output of the lights, not dissipate 50w of my 70w of lighting as heat.

 

[MadRussian79]

You will have to go for a new fixture then. There are dim able florescent fixtures but they are expensive. The horn wart or any other fast growing plant will reduce the lighting hitting the bottom of the tank and choke the algae but competing with it for food.

There is always the option of going with a smaller lower power fixture. You can buy a smaller florescent fixture form DEPOT but you have to deal with hanging it over the tank.

 

[12 Volt Man]

what about hanging the light a few feet above the tank? that would reduce the output at the bottom of the tank by quite a bit.