Lighting An acrylic tank

bingojimbo · 12-05-2003, 07:42 AM

I'm planning on purchasing 26 gallon long acrylic tank. The top is also enclosed in acrylic with holes to do simple maintenace and such. I'm interested in turning it into a planted tank and i'm aiming for 2.5-3 Watt per gallon. The hood fixture that comes with it just sits on top of the acrylic and only houses one bulb. I've never had an acrylic tank this size before. Here are my questions:

1) If I were to get the bulb or fixture that deliver the wattage I wanted, would that melt or affect the acrylic top? If so, then what can i do to avoid it?

2) Any suggestions on how I can get the wattage I needed cheapest/easiest way possible?

3) One other thing, is it safe to use flourescent bulbs with an incandescent fixture?

I'm still new at this, please excuse my general descriptions. :? Thanks so much in advance.

Jimbo

lanstar · 12-05-2003, 09:01 AM

If you go with flourescent or compact flourescent fixtures, the heat from 75 watts of light shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure the hood has some kind of venting to let the heat escape.

As for the cheapest/easiest way to get the wattage... Cheap and easy are quite often mutually exclusive!

However, you can learn all about inexpensive lighting here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=194

For easy, go someplace like here: http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/

Is it safe to use flourescent bulbs in an incandescent fixture? I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean the flourescent bulbs with the ballast in the base that screw in to a standard light socket?

Take care...

Tim

bingojimbo · 12-09-2003, 09:39 PM

Thanks for the reply Tim. I purchased my tank just the other day. Its a 26 gallon long acrylic tank (36L x 10W x 16D). I'm mainly planning on making it a planted tank. I'm considering on purchasing the Coralife Aqualights Fixture w/ 2x65W of lighting, it includes the fan to dissipate the heat. I'm also purchasing the legs to raise it 2'' above the tank so it wont be touching the top of the acrylic. Do you think that 130W of light is overkill? it would be 5W/gallon.

George Willms · 12-09-2003, 09:50 PM

They make a 30" 130 watt fixture, but not a 36" one, in 36" they have 96 and 192 watt fixtures. The 96 watt fixture would probably be just about perfect for your needs if you plan on using co2.

Rex Grigg · 12-10-2003, 12:59 AM

With 5 wpg you would pretty much HAVE to have pressurized CO2 and a pH controller. Along with at least 2-4 hours a week to fertilizer, test, change water, and prune.

12-05-2003, 09:01 AM	#2
lanstar Planted Member (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Joplin, Missouri USA Posts: 224	If you go with flourescent or compact flourescent fixtures, the heat from 75 watts of light shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure the hood has some kind of venting to let the heat escape. As for the cheapest/easiest way to get the wattage... Cheap and easy are quite often mutually exclusive! However, you can learn all about inexpensive lighting here: http://www.plantedtank.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=194 For easy, go someplace like here: http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/ Is it safe to use flourescent bulbs in an incandescent fixture? I'm not sure what you mean. Do you mean the flourescent bulbs with the ballast in the base that screw in to a standard light socket? Take care... Tim __________________ Chief 51, Engine 511, Engine 513, Rescue 511, respond to an algae outbreak at...

12-09-2003, 09:50 PM	#4
George Willms Wannabe Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (10/100%) Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Rutherford, NJ Posts: 1,433	They make a 30" 130 watt fixture, but not a 36" one, in 36" they have 96 and 192 watt fixtures. The 96 watt fixture would probably be just about perfect for your needs if you plan on using co2. __________________ George #2 Ehfipimp extraordinaire! Eheim Pimp Club Recruiter, Saergant at Arms, and Enforcer. 29 and 45 gallon. 2026, 2028 My 29 gallon tank

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12-05-2003, 07:42 AM	#1
bingojimbo Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 18	I'm planning on purchasing 26 gallon long acrylic tank. The top is also enclosed in acrylic with holes to do simple maintenace and such. I'm interested in turning it into a planted tank and i'm aiming for 2.5-3 Watt per gallon. The hood fixture that comes with it just sits on top of the acrylic and only houses one bulb. I've never had an acrylic tank this size before. Here are my questions: 1) If I were to get the bulb or fixture that deliver the wattage I wanted, would that melt or affect the acrylic top? If so, then what can i do to avoid it? 2) Any suggestions on how I can get the wattage I needed cheapest/easiest way possible? 3) One other thing, is it safe to use flourescent bulbs with an incandescent fixture? I'm still new at this, please excuse my general descriptions. :? Thanks so much in advance. Jimbo

12-09-2003, 09:39 PM	#3
bingojimbo Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sunnyvale, CA Posts: 18	Thanks for the reply Tim. I purchased my tank just the other day. Its a 26 gallon long acrylic tank (36L x 10W x 16D). I'm mainly planning on making it a planted tank. I'm considering on purchasing the Coralife Aqualights Fixture w/ 2x65W of lighting, it includes the fan to dissipate the heat. I'm also purchasing the legs to raise it 2'' above the tank so it wont be touching the top of the acrylic. Do you think that 130W of light is overkill? it would be 5W/gallon.

12-10-2003, 12:59 AM	#5
Rex Grigg Planted Tank Guru (View User Tanks) PTrader: (65/100%) Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Portland Orygun Posts: 9,600	With 5 wpg you would pretty much HAVE to have pressurized CO2 and a pH controller. Along with at least 2-4 hours a week to fertilizer, test, change water, and prune.