96 watts over standard 29 gal; too much?

[mrbigmusclese]

I set up a 29 gallon standard size, it's about 30x18x12 I think (inches) about six weeks ago. I have over it a 96 watt AH-supply fixture that is 36 inches wide, and 96 watts power-compact bulb. It's too wide but that's all I had available. I have two 2 liter DIY CO2 bottles piped into a powerhead and dose the basic EI fertz. Is this too much lighting? The tank seems pretty tall to have anything less, but am I CO2 limited here? thanks

 

[Gerryd]

Yes, IMO you have way too much light esp for DIY c02....

How many bulbs in the fixture? Is there a reflector as well?

A 30 gal tank is not that large and that much light will drive a high rate of growth and subsequent c02 and nutrient demand....

 

[SuperColey1]

I agree with GerryD

2 x full length T8 is plenty for most plants. I personally (I love low light. lol) would suffice with about 30W!!!

AC

 

[mrbigmusclese]

Ok great. I used it because that's what I had laying around... it's a PC bulb (4 pin) from AHsupply.com. So I guess I should ditch this and go for a 30-inch fixture with less wattage?

 

[csmith]

If your fixture sits on the tank, and if Hoppy's graphs hold true, you're looking at 180+ PAR Maybe try raising the fixture about 15"? That'd severely cut down the PAR. 1 foot would help, but still leave you in medium-high light.

 

[mrbigmusclese]

If your fixture sits on the tank, and if Hoppy's graphs hold true, you're looking at 180+ PAR Maybe try raising the fixture about 15"? That'd severely cut down the PAR. 1 foot would help, but still leave you in medium-high light.

What about getting a piece of eggcrate to set the light on top of (as at least a temporary measure)?

 

[Left C]

You only have 30" of that 34" 96w PC over your 29g. This is about 85w over it. The eggcate would block some of the light as well as lift it up a bit. It might be worth a try.

It wasn't too long ago that some folks had 2x65w PC's over a 29g with DIY CO2 and fighting algae like crazy! LOL

 

[mrbigmusclese]

You only have 30" of that 34" 96w PC over your 29g. This is about 85w over it. The eggcate would block some of the light as well as lift it up a bit. It might be worth a try.

It wasn't too long ago that some folks had 2x65w PC's over a 29g with DIY CO2 and fighting algae like crazy! LOL

Speaking of which, I've been fighting off GSA and staghorn algae from the day I set this tank up...

 

[Gerryd]

Eggcrate will help. Lowering the light helps manage growth and is easier to supply non limiting c02 and ferts...

You can use the original fixture, just remove some bulbs and/or hang it higher

 

[Left C]

I have an idea. Your 96w AHSupply fixture uses a single 34.1" PC. Its WorkHorse 5 ballast is load sensitive. This means that you can use a 21" to 22" 55w/65ww PC in it if you want. This will lower your lighting level a bit.

Does your 96w fixture use a square pin or a straight pin bulb? I've forgotten. Anyway, here are some low cost square and straight pin options if you want to lower the lighting a bit more by swapping your bulb.
- square pin 65w 8800K Colorquest PC for $4.99 plus shipping: http://www.marinedepot.com/65W_Powe...ct-PowerCompact-PC1651-FILTBUPCSQSWDL-vi.html
- straight pin 55w GE 9325K PC (from two different sources):
- - $14.20 plus shipping: http://www.lightbulbsdirect.com/page/001/PROD/Aquarium/F55BX-AR-FS
- - $18.24 plus shipping: http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/ecart/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=F55BX.AR.FSGE