lighting?

[wckdkl0wn]

How can I make my tank light up better with a standard light fixture? Is there a type of bulb that will do better? Right now I have a zoomed 24" bulb in the fixture. Only because that came with it when I got it. Says for reptile use only though.


edit* I just went down into the basement and found one of my other light hoods but this one has 2 bulbs in it. both 24" bulbs. 1 is white and other is almost like a purple color when lite. What is the purple one?

 

[iamevl]

is it a deep purple or a really light purple/pink?
could be either a uv bulb or a black light

 

[Bud_Man_Jr]

if its almost purple prob actinic

 

[kendog1]

I use the Coral Life 50/50 on all my tanks, wether its good or not im not sure but i like the look

 

[Bud_Man_Jr]

I use t5 lights on most of my tanks and I have one coralife 50/50 and one coralife actinic.

 

[Mr.B]

sorry if im jacking the thread...but, i was thinking about making a canopy to match my stand and was gonna use 2 x 18" T8 bulbs but was wondering if this would be enough light for a planted 20L

 

[terrors r us]

How can I make my tank light up better with a standard light fixture? Is there a type of bulb that will do better? Right now I have a zoomed 24" bulb in the fixture. Only because that came with it when I got it. Says for reptile use only though.


edit* I just went down into the basement and found one of my other light hoods but this one has 2 bulbs in it. both 24" bulbs. 1 is white and other is almost like a purple color when lite. What is the purple one?

the purple is either an ultra violet light or a plant light...
just get some natural daylight tubes for best results...
an ultra violet light has to have the water run by it
with no other light present(enclosed) in order to do it's
job(kill parisites............

 

[12 Volt Man]

if thats a UV light you can do permanent damage to your eyes if you look at it while running out of water. in water is okay.

but out of water with the light on you need protective eyewear specifically designed for UV light.

please be careful.

 

[wckdkl0wn]

Ok i decided to go a different route. I went to lowes and i seen a nice 24" t5 dual bulb shop lights but they didnt have it in stock. So instead I went to walmart and bought 3 t5 single bulb under counter lights that can run in series. figured $10 each it couldnt hurt to try. Man those suckers are bright. I put them in the hood I had the other light in. Coated the inside of the hood with aluminum foil first and them mounted all 3. My question is though. since they are t5 fixtures what bulbs would you recommend for them if I want to do a decent planted tank? bulb these take right now are 21"

 

[Militis]

Get some underwater lights or spotlights but if you want whole tank lighted up then yea what you done is good looks nice spotlight what my uncle has .