a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

[sherry]

I have a 96 watt quad cf light over 35 gallons.
want to add a 28 watt fixture to bring up my wpg a bit, without over doing it.


Am I going to lose out by not having the 96 watts in the middle of the tank any more (20 inch cube) but rather have a strip of 96 and a strip of 28?


I would just add another 96 or an 80 even, but I don't want to hyperdrive the tank since it is actually growing well. I just want to give my macrandra and inclinata a bit more light.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

It's a 20" cube?

I think you'd do well to use the 40w 18" PC bulbs x 2.
That's 80 w on a 35.

You can add another (3)40W for 120w on the 35 cube=> 3.5w of PC light.

I think Current make the 20" long hoods and lights.
the other option, a HQI pendent 150w.



Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[sherry]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

I agree that two-three equal currents would be ideal.. but since I already have the 96 watt coralife... (20 inch) I was wondering if it would help/harm to push the high watt light up or back a few inches adn add the 28.

I actually considered adding the current 80 watt fixture but I think that may be more light than I want...

eventually I'll upgrade to teh pendant, but right now that is more $ than I'd like to spend. I'm an author on the fading/faded end of an advance. In my world of feast or famine, it is definately famine time

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

Well, the 96 w, can it be lifted in any way?
That would give a nice spread.
I'd just add a 40w for better spread or raise the 96 if possible.

The HQI's are pretty cheap DIY, so are the reg 175W MH kits.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[sherry]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

the light is on legs... the tank doesn't have a hood... just a cover.. so a diy would also entail trying to build a hood.. which becomes difficult in a nYC apartment .... no garage/tools/ ect.

legs good enough? eesh.,. this should all be just a tiny bit easier.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

Well, given the trade offs you are willign to deal with, you've boxed yourself in a little.

Try this thinking: sell something, sell the existing light etc, sell plants etc, then use that $ to pay for the new pendent.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

Not sure if this might interest you:

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=212&HS=1

Cheaper version, but if you are poor, not a bad set up, ask for the 6400K osram HQI, and normal PC lights(12K).

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[sherry]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

I may just redo my light when I can actually afford to.. so what is the fixture you'd like best for a 35 gallon 20" sq cube?

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

Giesmann 150w pendent with an e ballast and a 6500K bulb.

The link had a 20" hood with PC(56W) and 150W
, bit cheaper and all, but looks nice.

Depends on how much you want to spend really.
Overall, you get what you pay for with lighting.


Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[sherry]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

thanks!!!!

 

[sherry]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

Tom have you worked with aquatraders before? been trying ot reach them to see if they'd sell this with a 6500K lamp instead of 20,000k, but haven't heard back


btw. after half a week on EI, with very gentle dosing on my nitrates and phosphates... I think I am seeing signs of real life in the macrandra!!!!!

Thanks to you and also to greg W. who walked me thru a lot too. Also using GH booster!

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

They probably only answer M-F most likely.
They are local here in the SF Bay area.

Just keep trying etc.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[sherry]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

been emailing every day since thursday last.. I guess they aren't around.


what do you know about the current usa sunpod? no external ballast.. but I'd have to buy a bulb since theres is 14k

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

I'm not that familiar with them.
AT's has the Osram's 6400K for about 20$ ea.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[sherry]

Re: a question of light.. uneven fixtures.

I wouldn't order blind anyway.. not without knowing a little more about the fixture... I've been researching MH and it seems that in this case, quality really does matter.. for safety and heat reasons.. and heat is a big deal on an acrylic tank.