How to raise this light

1227 Views 16 Replies 7 Participants Last post by Smooshface, Oct 10, 2016

Smooshface

Discussion Starter · Oct 8, 2016

So I am getting too much light in my tank and it is causing algea issues. Any ideas on how to raise this light up?

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1 - 17 of 17 Posts

The Big Buddha

· #2 · Oct 9, 2016

Shelf on the wall, 2 small hooks in the bottom of the shelf and suspend it.
I also like to buy the small black chain at home depot to hang it with. You can remove the extendable wire runners from the light and capture the chain link on the wire runners then re assemble it. Also it will hang evenly providing the number of links are the same on all four corners. Adjustment is super easy by just going up or down a few links on the hooks up top and the light always stays level.

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Smooshface

Discussion Starter · #3 · Oct 9, 2016

That is a solid idea, I will run it by my wife

jeffkrol

· #4 · Oct 9, 2016

Smooshface said:
That is a solid idea, I will run it by my wife

Handy enough to put in a dimmer??
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...gleBaseChild&gclid=CLfrl7zczM8CFYEXgQodgTEMCg

Just goes between the power supply and light head..
Much cheaper on eek bay BTW..

PlantedRich

· #5 · Oct 9, 2016

If holes in the wall are out, try mounts attached to the stand?
Two electrical conduits bent to hang it out over the tank is one way. One could hold it easy enough but I found the light and cord tended to swing off line and looked weird to me. running the cord inside the conduit helps to hid it.
A plexiglass type screwed to each end would get it lifted if not wanting to go very much higher? Notch the plastic to hang onto the front and back tank sides.

Smooshface

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 9, 2016

Would adding a glass top accomplish the same thing?

The Big Buddha

· #7 · Oct 9, 2016

Glass top with screen between glass and light will reduce the intensity as well.

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Solcielo lawrencia

· #8 · Oct 10, 2016

jeffkrol said:
Handy enough to put in a dimmer??
https://www.superbrightleds.com/mor...gleBaseChild&gclid=CLfrl7zczM8CFYEXgQodgTEMCg

Just goes between the power supply and light head..
Much cheaper on eek bay BTW..

I bought one from eBay for $3 shipped. But, I haven't had to use it yet. More light is better than less since it lowers the CO2 compensation point. Low light has a higher compensation point which means more co2 is required for positive growth.

roadmaster

· #9 · Oct 10, 2016

Less light is better when battling algae than more light, which will only make the issues worse.
Increase in light energy will require increase in CO2 and possibly fertz as well.
Is the basic science/principal of photosynthesis along with Liebig's law.
Can reduce phosphate and indirectly decrease demand for CO2 for the plant's will then be mostly PO4 limited rather than CO2 limited (Liebig'law).

Smooshface

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 10, 2016

roadmaster said:
Less light is better when battling algae than more light, which will only make the issues worse.
Increase in light energy will require increase in CO2 and possibly fertz as well.
Is the basic science/principal of photosynthesis along with Liebig's law.
Can reduce phosphate and indirectly decrease demand for CO2 for the plant's will then be mostly PO4 limited rather than CO2 limited (Liebig'law).

Yeah, I don't have CO2, I do use Flourish Excel, but I have a major surplus in light and this is a well established tank before I bought a plant capable light and plants. There is a surplus of nutrients too. I don't have enough CO2 to keep up with the amount of light and nutrients that my tank generates, so I need to find a way to limit the light. I'm only giving about 7 hours a day right now, but my light gives off a TON of light, it's so strong and just RIGHT on top of the tank.

What do you guys think, if I buy just a glass top to go over the top as my starting point, do you think that will do better than raising it, or at least have a good shot of reducing my light intensity down to my carbon restriction?

roadmaster

· #11 · Oct 10, 2016

Guesstimate 25% less light energy on plant leaves with glass top.
Might be a good place to start .
Would use Excel daily.

Smooshface

Discussion Starter · #12 · Oct 10, 2016

roadmaster said:
Guesstimate 25% less light energy on plant leaves with glass top.
Might be a good place to start .
Would use Excel daily.

I think I'll start there then and raise it if it's still an issue.

As for excel, I overdose to 1 capful daily, (29gallon tank) and on my weekly water change of about 10gallons, I do the 3 capfuls per the instructions. Should I dose more?

roadmaster

· #13 · Oct 10, 2016

Smooshface said:
I think I'll start there then and raise it if it's still an issue.

As for excel, I overdose to 1 capful daily, (29gallon tank) and on my weekly water change of about 10gallons, I do the 3 capfuls per the instructions. Should I dose more?

No.

Smooshface

Discussion Starter · #14 · Oct 10, 2016

roadmaster said:
No.

That's what I thought, just making sure!

PlantedRich

· #15 · Oct 10, 2016

The glass idea would be where I would start but keeping a small point in mind as it evolves.
The glass will cut the amount of light but also tend to change over time. The glass will often collect grime and if it is often wet, algae will begin to form on the glass. So check to see that the light is not changing as the glass situation gradually changes. The problem may grow on the bottom of the glass out of sight when you look from the top. Just a heads up for the future.
In this game, just being aware is half the battle as it lets us be better prepped to adapt as needed.

IntotheWRX

· #16 · Oct 10, 2016

Smooshface said:
Yeah, I don't have CO2, I do use Flourish Excel, but I have a major surplus in light and this is a well established tank before I bought a plant capable light and plants. There is a surplus of nutrients too. I don't have enough CO2 to keep up with the amount of light and nutrients that my tank generates, so I need to find a way to limit the light. I'm only giving about 7 hours a day right now, but my light gives off a TON of light, it's so strong and just RIGHT on top of the tank.

What do you guys think, if I buy just a glass top to go over the top as my starting point, do you think that will do better than raising it, or at least have a good shot of reducing my light intensity down to my carbon restriction?

I have the same problem as you. my light is too strong. No way to raise it up or dim it. I don't want a glass lid on my tank, so I run my light 4 hours a day. everyone is doing great.

Smooshface

Discussion Starter · #17 · Oct 10, 2016

IntotheWRX said:
I have the same problem as you. my light is too strong. No way to raise it up or dim it. I don't want a glass lid on my tank, so I run my light 4 hours a day. everyone is doing great.

I hate to reduce it down to that much time, but maybe that's the way I'll have to go. I think I'll start with the lid, and if that doesn't fix it, drop my times

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