Need some advice about which lighting unit/options to go for

Hi guys haven’t been around for a while and it’s really nice to be back. I need some advice.... I am not happy with the built in lights that came with my 1,5m Boyu. It has 4 T8, I tries mixing blues, pinks, with the white it’s either too dark or too "green" just not doing justice to the tank. I want to get rid of the entire canopy (including the built in filter) and get some kind of T5 unit. I guess I will have to buy clear Perspex to cover the tank (I have some jumpers) but other than this I have no idea where to start;


· 2 light or 4 lights?
· 54w or 36w?
· 1.2 meter or 1.5 meter?
· Prices (as in; funds are not unlimited ):blink1:
· which shops?
· And anything else you may suggest
Thank you!

 

Hi N

I also dont know where to start - but T5 are getting @#$% hot so just check that canopy. so i will go with T8, 1.2m (because its the biggest size you get in my pet shops) may your area has 1.5m. My 1.2m T8 are 40 Watts. T8 are also much cheaper than T5.

Strongs

F

 

T5'S are expensive but they last longer than t8's, consume a smaller space than t8s and have a higher light output than t8's.. thats why i upgraded to t5's..

how big is ur tank again? i have 4x54w t5's over my 122lx60bx45h tank.. apparently thats considered high light.. also, what are u using ur lights for? plants? or just to display?

 

The built in T8 (normal fluorescent, 40w) are 1,20m the tank length is 1.5 m . I am not growing plants, but it is a display tank, its not looking bad but something is missing... here is a link of a short video i took last week maybe it can give you an idea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OTlqzSa7TQ

My other tanks a juwel and came with 4 built in T5 and i like the impact and the brightness these lights produce

 

Hi guys

4 x T5's running the length of the tank is actually considered too much light. There are no plants that require that much light. It won't be long and you will have algae problems that you won't be able to manage. 2 x T5's running the length of the tank (provided the tank is no deeper than 45cm) will be just right. Of course, you need some decent reflectors to ensure the spread is even.

And shihr asked a good question: are you growing plants or just displaying fish? For the latter, I would suggest you keep your canopy with T8's and just get 4 x "daylight" bulbs (6500K).

 

Hi N

According to your video cant it be your driftwood thats leeching - put in more blue

F

 

yes ofcourse.. but also i will be running co2 so the excess lights nutrients etc should be able to be taken up by the plants..

but yes, for display purposes, two would be enough..

 

Ok so my options are either to keep the canopy or get 2xT5 could you recommend any unit, what kind of price am i looking at?

 

to tell u the truth, i'd just keep the current setup and get different t8's! 10000k flourescents would look really white and bright!

 

If you decide to get new t8's, try ordering through a lighting store. I've just done that and it was MUCH cheaper! The sales assistant was a bit bewildered at first but I got exactly what I asked for at a quarter of the price at the lps.

 

This is great advice!

 

+1

 

So just to confirm, i am looking for 1.2 meter 10000k flourescents?

 

yep.. or even 1.2m cool whites.. cool whites are bright and white as the name suggests.. 10 000k lights might be much more expensive..

 

Lamphouse in CT, they are distributors and should have stock of what you are looking for. Probably at half or less of what your LPS charges. Cash only though

 

neilh will they be selling to the publick?

 

Hey Natnat, im with the idea of keeping your t8 lights, just change the bulb to daylight, if there is a lighting warehouse you can get a daylight tube for R70. Or try an electronics supplier, they ussually have it aswell, even a paint store might have it, because they use it to display the colors of the paint. Good luck.

 

yes they sell to public www.thelamphouse.co.za

 

very very good store!!

 

just bought lights from there as well. the people are very helpfull