[bumblebeetuna]

Hello All I am fairly new to keeping a planted tank but I,ve spent lots of time reading a going over forums. Once i was comfortable enough to start a tank i set up a 20gal that was given to me. There is lots to learn but i am pluging along. I recently purchased a nova extreme 2x24 watt 24 inch freshwater light, seems good quality, dual reflector and all. The question i have is on the instructions it says not designed for use on a open top tank, What does this mean? And how important is it. The light sits 2 inch over the tank with snap on legs and has a splash protector under the bulbs, so What is the deal...Thanks for the help

 

[bsmith]

There just covering their butts in case water hits the light, shorts out and burns your house down. Ultimately it is your choice. I have a fixture over my tank with out a splash guard and know the risk I am running and am comfortable with it.

 

[bumblebeetuna]

thank you very much, So really no big deal then won't actually hurt anything, if it stays dry. If it starts a fire i'll have 2ogal of water right there lol. thank you

 

[urbguy]

Hey and welcome to TPT! I second what bsmith said, they more or less want to protect them selves by first protecting you and your surroundings. I have a 36" nova extreme and I have my splash guard on and I place it over my open top tank. Haven't had any problems with it other than water evaporation but no problems.

 

[bsmith]

I just clean my reflectors every couple of months to make sure they don't get corroded with splashing water.

 

[bumblebeetuna]

man the replies come fast here this is a great forum thanks for all the help
One last question
I have 2x24 watts of t5 light over the 20 gal which puts me at 2.4 watt/gal is that a good bit of light for the tank for plant growth and will it require me to supply c02

 

[bsmith]

I think co2 will be necessary.

 

[FSM]

Is it a 20 gallon long or tall? I assume it is a 20 tall, since the fixture is 24" long. I have the same fixture on my 29 gallon, I have no algae and don't use CO2 or add fertilizer (trace elements occasionally). The tank is pretty heavily stocked though.

A lot of people say it is too much light for no CO2. You can set up a DIY CO2 system pretty easily though.

 

[th08tu]

hey if you don't mind me asking where did you get that hood from?

 

[bsmith]

I have seen you post your experience in alot of threads. I have to ask when you say your tank is stocked heavily, what exactly do you mean by that? Im sure it has got to be the reason you dont have co2 with that lighting and dont have an algae farm.

Is it a 20 gallon long or tall? I assume it is a 20 tall, since the fixture is 24" long. I have the same fixture on my 29 gallon, I have no algae and don't use CO2 or add fertilizer (trace elements occasionally). The tank is pretty heavily stocked though.

A lot of people say it is too much light for no CO2. You can set up a DIY CO2 system pretty easily though.

 

[bumblebeetuna]

the light came from big al's in edmonton....I love to have any reason to visit that store i try to be there for shark feeding time.