Hello,
I have a 55 planted that's been planted for a couple weeks. No CO2, some Excel, no ferts (yet). Lighting is/was 2x54w T5HO. My lights started flickering and going out so I contacted the retailer, they told me they'd send a ballast via the manufacturer and it should be here in 7-10 days. My lights worked yesterday and today, nothing. I flip the switch, they flicker, never lighting all the way and then black.
How much of a big deal is it to leave the tank dark until the new ballast comes? Will the ballast fix the problem? Both lights flicker and light so I don't think they're burned out. Will the failing ballast shorten the life of my bulbs? Will the fish mind? What do I need to be aware of/watching for? I know that black-out is a common algae treatment but I wasn't planning on blacking out the tank completely. Is ambient light going to be a problem?
Thanks so much!
~g
I have a 55 planted that's been planted for a couple weeks. No CO2, some Excel, no ferts (yet). Lighting is/was 2x54w T5HO. My lights started flickering and going out so I contacted the retailer, they told me they'd send a ballast via the manufacturer and it should be here in 7-10 days. My lights worked yesterday and today, nothing. I flip the switch, they flicker, never lighting all the way and then black.
How much of a big deal is it to leave the tank dark until the new ballast comes? Will the ballast fix the problem? Both lights flicker and light so I don't think they're burned out. Will the failing ballast shorten the life of my bulbs? Will the fish mind? What do I need to be aware of/watching for? I know that black-out is a common algae treatment but I wasn't planning on blacking out the tank completely. Is ambient light going to be a problem?
Thanks so much!
~g