I'm not an expert on Fluval Edge's by any means - but it looks like that one has the original halogen bulbs. Is it the 6 or 12 gallon? I would be very worried about putting too much heat into the tank by adding anything and running the original halogens. Have you considered LED?
If you're dead set on Fluorescent, you might want to try fitting the fluval power compact 13W driver and bulb from the Flora/Ebi line in there. I would recommend ventilation. One idea is to put a small 40mm computer fan on the back of the nice enclosure you built on the left, and cut some ventilation holes on the back on the right. That would pull air around from the right, over the light and balast, and exhaust it out on the left. It might be a little noisy, but it would work.
I'm not dead set on fluorescent, I've just been recommended this over LED due to poor par levels produced by LEDs, as I want a heavily planted tank (albeit will be selecting easy to maintain mid to low light requiring plants).
Yeh the noise worries me about a computer fan, as the tank is in my living room so will definitely be noticed.
Will one 13w by sufficient for a heavily planted tank? Is 26w too much for 23L?
Whoever advised you against LED is probably looking at several generations ago. Modern LEDs are being used in favor of fluorescents all the time. Many of the marine reef applications also use LEDs. They compare favorably with the metal halid bulbs for everything but the very deep reef applications, ie they can sub for a 250 watt MH but not for a 450 watt. I think you should be able to find lots of LEDs that work.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Planted Tank Forum
3.5M posts
130.6K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!