enough light?

[treedae]

After reading the planting basics article on this site I'm wondering if I have enought light. It recommends 2 watts/gallon and I'm currently using only 1 20 watt bulb in a 29 gallon. However, it also says to use from 5000-10000K, but my bulb (Power-Glo) is 18000K. What does this K mean anyways and does the extra K that my bulb have give it more Kick ?

I don't seem to be having too much trouble with my plants (Cabomba caroliniana and Cryptocoryne wendtii), but would like a more lush garden if that can be achieved.

 

[Guest]

Two watts per gallon would be a minimum of 58 watts over your tank. You have 20 watts. While this might be enough for some Crypts I doubt that your Cabomba is going to last for long. K is short for Kelvin and basically means that the color of the light is the same as a carbon block (as I recall) heated to that degree of Kelvin.

Magic plant bulbs don't and can't make up for lack of watts.

 

[treedae]

Yeah, you know it's funny b/c since I inducted my new "magical" bulb, I've been pulling bunny rabbits out of the tank faster than I can skim out their hair.

So what kind of reasonably priced options do I have? I've been trying to find double bulb tops for my tank to no avail (unless they're made of kryptonite or similar and priced at a rate that would force me to take out another student loan). Do 24" 60 watt fluorescent bulbs exist b/c I didn't see any in my search.

 

[chasgood]

How about a 55watt PC. I couldnt find double bulb or PC at any lfs so ordered one online.

 

[nyghtone]

Yeah, I'd go with a PC fixture too. You could get a 24 " double 55 watt fixture for like 80 bucks I believe from Coralife, and their stuff works great for me, just make sure that you don't get a 50/50 bulb and get a true sunlight bulb, in the 10,000K - 6500K range, on FW I think the 6500K looks better, but that's personal preference!!!

http://www.marineandreef.com/shoppro/power_aqualight.html

This page has a 24" dual 36 watt for like 85 bucks, that would most likely be a great fixture.

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[Guest]

Go to www.ahsupply.com and get a 55 watt kit. You can put it in your existing strip light and actually grow a surprising number of plants with it.

 

[treedae]

Thanks for all the info everyone. Any ideas on where I might be able to find a nice clear top on which to place these new fixtures? Right now I have a Perfecto top which only will allow light through from a 24" X 4" area.

 

[malkore]

Any fish store, even petsmart/petco, will have glass tops in all the standard tank dimensions. One for a 29gallon shouldn't run more than about $25.

 

[Guest]

Actually a glass top for a 29 gallon tank should not run more than about $15. If it's more than that find a new LFS.

 

[chasgood]

$20 at petsmart for the glass cover that fits 20Long, 29 and 37 gal tanks.

 

[deeni0z]

Will over-lighting the tank ever blind the fish or hurt their eyes?

 

[Guest]

No. The lights you put over the aquarium are still only a fraction as bright as sunlight.

 

[treedae]

Ok, so I'm trying to decide on a bulb......is the higher the K the more "blue" the light is?

Also, are there any setups that allow for a gradual decrease in light to avoid sudden light change "shocks"?

 

[Mr Burns]

you can make a moonlight system, but it is not necessary. if you're interested, there are a couple topics in the DIY section regarding moonlights, and cichlidforum.com has a few good articles in it's 'library.'

 

[chasgood]

Higher K numbers are more blue. 6500K to 10,000K range is fine for fw. It is up to your tastes as to whether you get a warmer bulb lower K (more red) or cooler bulb higher K (more blue).