hmmmm, well i think im going to likely get a 48" dual t8 fixture and a pair of 6500k bulbs then by the looks of it.... hopefully the 48" fixture is enough light to light up my 6ft tank
reg flourescent shop lights ?
- Thread starter rob1984
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hmmmm, well i think im going to likely get a 48" dual t8 fixture and a pair of 6500k bulbs then by the looks of it.... hopefully the 48" fixture is enough light to light up my 6ft tank
IME inadequate lighting situations will grow brown algae (diatoms) regardless of the spectrum used . There is some validity in the marine glo bulb adding to the problem as it puts out a very specific, narrow, spectrum for the watts it requires. Increasing watts per gallon will usually turn brown algae to green algae in most siuations. T5 fixtures only take T5 bulbs. T8's can take, T8's 10's and 12's as long as they are not HO versions
i dont want green algea on my white sand let alone brown algea lol... all though i dont mind green algea on my driftwood and stuff.... so should i maybe have a higher bulb in it ?? also ive noticed since i have switch my t5h0 and reg fluorescent fixtures from my 140 to 75g tank that my 140 isnt getting brown algea as bad if any at all, and it getting green algea on the driftwood... and i leave the light on from 915am to 915pm everyday ... dont get any on the sand at all
Yeah you could try it for awhile and see how it goes. Usually takes a little bit of experimentation to find the right balance of output and duration. i happen to stock a handful of plecos in my tanks so algae is moslty a non issue, other than my Mbuna tank, but I strive for it in there lol.
Alot of things will affect the end result though such as plants, feedings, stocking, etc....plants are the surest way to not have any at all as they compete for the same resources as the algae will.
Alot of things will affect the end result though such as plants, feedings, stocking, etc....plants are the surest way to not have any at all as they compete for the same resources as the algae will.
ya ive tried live plants and they dont last in my tank with my fish im assuming the severum or oscar gets at it when there bored lol, and i have a chinese algea eater as well as a common pleco (has spikes all over him) they seem to help control it somewhat but i dont wanna have a ton of pleco poop everywere in my tank all the green/brown string poop all over my white sand haha...someone told me to try a 6700k 54watt bulb in my t5h0 with the 10000k bulb and see how it goes...
i dont mind the look of the reg fluorescent 48" single bulb/fixture that i have on it now but the bulb looks kinda purplily and it isnt as bright as id like hence the thought of maybe 48" dual bulb, or even maybe just 2 36" single units .. or dual 36" units, im still unsure of what i want i defintly dont want to have it too bright and etc... and i figured if i can get my hands on some 3/4" MDF i was going to make a canopy like this in the link here http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_canopy2.php it very simple and allows for room in the back for my fx5's and stuff i have all on the back as well as a escape for any humidity/moisture/heat that it would normally give off with no top... and then i can just attach the light fixture right to the top of the inside there,, allows opening of the top to feed or maintince if needed... could always put like small handle on side or front and back to allow me to lift it off for water changes or removing a big fish if needed...i just aint working right now and aint got the cash for that now
lol