Question on Upgrading to 2x55 Watt Retro-Fit

[LindaC]

I've been seriously thinking about this for quite a while now, I currently have 1x55 watts on my 29 gallon, which isn't even 2wpg. I would like to be able to grow a wider assortment of plants and with what I have right now, I can't do that.

My concern is the amount of heat it will give off. Now I was under the impression that compact flourescents did not give off heat, but the glass that they would be sitting above most likely will. Would I need to have a fan installed in my hood if I upgrade to 2x55 watts or would I be okay just keeping a watchful eye on my heater? Would the water get hotter in the summer? I do run air conditioning when it's hot in the summer and my living room is always cool.

I don't think there is any other type of retro-fits out there with a little less light, 110 watts is a lot, I would really like to run about 75 watts, which would give me about 2.5 wpg, but I haven't come across anything that would allow me to do this.

I know there are lots of people who have high lights over their tanks, do you all run fans in your hoods?

Advice, thoughts are much appreciated. Many thanks!
Linda

 

[Purrbox]

With the 2x55 watt fixture, you could replace one of the bulbs with a 50/50 bulb. This would knock down the usable amount light to about 82.5 Watts. That would give you just a touch over the 75 watts that you were aiming for.

 

[LindaC]

Thanks Purrbox, that is an option, not sure I want to have the blue tint but it's a great idea!

Another thing I have been wondering is if it is a lot harder to put the 2x55 watt retro-fit together than it was for the 1x55 kit. Looking at my hood, it doesn't appear as if two of these bulbs can fit into that small strip. If I were to set up this upgrade, where could I purchase a small fan to add to the hood?

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Actually, the blue tint from a 50/50 bulb is very slight. A full actinic bulb is more so. And if heat is a problem, and the fans in the unit aren't up to your expectations, you can just aim a small external fan at the underside of the fixture on warm days. On cooler days you can put the fan away. I have a 2 4x65W units on my 75G and don't use any external fans, and the tank temp is not affected.

 

[LindaC]

Thanks Lonewolf, I wasn't aware that there was a fan in the unit, there isn't one in the 1/x55 watt, but then one isn't needed there. I do have external fans that I can use, if there should be a problem. I won't know until I give a try, so thank you, you've been a huge help.

 

[newfound77951]

I have 2x96 watt over my 55 gal, yes, the lights do give off a lot of heat (ouch if you touch em!), but the back of my canopy is open, and there is nothing above the aluminum reflector. I have no fan, and no cover glass. My tank is usually about 76 in the morning and 77-78 at night after the lights have been on all day. I think the external fan is great, then you can use it when you need it.

 

[Lonewolfblue]

Thanks Lonewolf, I wasn't aware that there was a fan in the unit, there isn't one in the 1/x55 watt, but then one isn't needed there. I do have external fans that I can use, if there should be a problem. I won't know until I give a try, so thank you, you've been a huge help.

Some units might not have them. You could even email them if you aren't sure. I just got a 30" 2x65W unit for my 29G, and it's got 2 fans that blow out the top. My units on the 75G blow the air out one side, and has openings at the other end for fresh air to enter.