How much light is lost---

847 Views 4 Replies 3 Participants Last post by non_compliance, Jan 20, 2011

Robinmae

Discussion Starter · Jan 19, 2011

Hi
I have a 12 gallon JBJ nano tank that I took out of the attic and plan to use for a low-tec, (no C02) planted tank. I'd previously given up on the tank since the light and or ballast were constantly needing to be replaced.

I plan on replacing the top that came with it with a glass canopy, (sold by JBJ) and making my own lighting. Couldn't find any aquarium strip lights that were short enough, (needs to be less than 16 inches long) but I found this:
http://www.buy.com/prod/trademark-h.../q/sellerid/11408470/loc/66357/211517627.html

It's 6500K, 27watt bulb. I know that's too bright for the plants I'll be using, but here's my question: since the light will be approximately 22 inches above the substrate won't that cut the amount of light down? And if so, can anyone give me a guess as to how much? I'm thinking I need between 1 and 2 watts per gallon and closer to the 1watt. I'm also thinking that I can put something like window screen, (??) over the glass canopy to cut down on the light. Yes?
My other option is to go with a gooseneck desk lamp with a sylvania 6500k 13 watt CFL regular screw in bulb. This light would be aprox 16 inches above the substrate so there will be some light loss there, too.

Thanks for any help/suggestions. I attempted a planted tank a couple of years ago but failed. (I chose plants that cichlids wouldn't eat, and they didn't touch them, but my three wonderful clown loaches thought it was funny to dig everything up. And I guess it was a little funny. . . or rather, they were )

Robin

Or does someone have a better idea for lighting this tank?

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

non_compliance

· #2 · Jan 19, 2011

If you have a glass top on the aquarium, you will be losing approx 15-20 percent of the light anyhow... I am running that same light on a 5.5 (pressurized c02) and it's working GREAT... you will be doubling the size of the tank and I suspect that by raising it so high you will likely lower the intensity to use it with good results. Only one way to find out.

Are you planning on dosing excel or anything at all to provide carbon for the plants? Ferts?

I think the 13 watt may be too little light...

Save

chilled_fire

· #3 · Jan 19, 2011

^^^ Isnt 27 watt too much for 5.5 gallon ?? I have 5 gallon and use 14 watt 65K light, with presurrized co2 and still have to fight with algae, the HC does great though.

Save

Robinmae

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jan 19, 2011

non_compliance said:
If you have a glass top on the aquarium, you will be losing approx 15-20 percent of the light anyhow... I am running that same light on a 5.5 (pressurized c02) and it's working GREAT... you will be doubling the size of the tank and I suspect that by raising it so high you will likely lower the intensity to use it with good results. Only one way to find out.

Are you planning on dosing excel or anything at all to provide carbon for the plants? Ferts?

I think the 13 watt may be too little light...

You're using the exact same light: the Sunlight Desk lamp? Just wondering about the quality of the lamp--hate buying something sight unseen.

But that's all very helpful what you said about the glass cutting down the light and I suppose if I start to get too much algae I can find ways to further reduce the 27watts.
With the 13 watt I may end up with considerably less light due to distance and the glass.
Guess I'd rather have too much light and cut it down then not enough. . .

thank you very much.

Robin

And I have some excel left over from my last plant attempt. It was actually 2006, not a couple of years ago.

Don't know whether those products have a shelf life? Anything else I should use?

Save

non_compliance

· #5 · Jan 20, 2011

The excel MAY have a shelf life... of that I do not know... but it IS photo degradible... so if it was in a lighted area it may be shot...

I don't have the EXACT light as you... but it is a 27w PC light.. the kind that looks like a hand with no thumb... 4 fingers....

I think you would be smart to have a bit too much light and beable to diffuse it down rather than have not enough...

As far as my 27w light, I don't get a lick of algae in my 5.5... none. zero. (knock on wood lol) and I actually wish I had MORE light because my MM is growing tall instead of carpeting low...

Then again, maybe the bulb is old... How do you dose ferts? Mine is also very heavily planted. THere is a TON of plants in there. Almost like a jungle...

Save

1 - 5 of 5 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month