FOWLR lighting

19 posts • Page 1 of 2

Discuss all topics related to saltwater / reef tanks.


Ryand639878
 
Posts: 80
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:12 pm

FOWLR lighting

by Ryand639878

is the basic fluorescent bulb that came with the hood sufficient for live rock or do I need to upgrade, sorry for such a dumb question. I just have heard mixed opinions and would like some clarification. and i'm having a really hard time finding 36 inch bulbs that are either 50/50 or marine glo types.


Ryand639878
 
Posts: 80
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:12 pm

by Ryand639878

any suggestions please?


jdak702
 
Posts: 382
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 6:26 am

by jdak702

A regular light would be ok for the fish but the rock might not flourish with life leaving the biological part of filtering it kind of weak. Is it like one of those t8 or t12 bulbs? You can usually buy a better bulb with a better frequency for marine life.


Ryand639878
 
Posts: 80
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:12 pm

by Ryand639878

well i just bought this one..http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... &lmdn=Fish hoping that it would be beter than my regular flourscent but then it says it is better for freshwater or planted. so i tried to find this one... http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.j ... &lmdn=Fish which is the marine glow but it doesnt come in a 36 inch which my tank and hood are! not sure on what to do.


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

by Peterkarig3210

These stores sell OK lights for about $100 or more. They are T5 lights I think and would do well on your tank for live rock, though I'm not a reef person. The fixture in your hood probably won't fit or be able to power a high enough wattage bulb.

There are MUCH better deals on T5 lights that can be ordered.


Peterkarig3210
 
Posts: 1980
Joined: Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:04 am

by Peterkarig3210

You may need to do away with the hood and either have open water with a well fitting light or you can cut, or have cut, a nice peice of plexiglass to cover the top.

Sections can be cut out with a jig saw for filter lines and such.


jdak702
 
Posts: 382
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 6:26 am

by jdak702

I do agree. You will eventually get rid of the hood. I tried keeping mine but just got in the way. Coralife has these simple 36" t5 lights available for around $60. I really recommend ebay if you are on a budget. Any lfs, weather its a chain or local sell products at market prices which are higher than ebay.


Ryand639878
 
Posts: 80
Joined: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:12 pm

by Ryand639878

thanks for the input guys, one thing though. I think you may think I have a full on plastic hood. I have glass top cut to fit the tank, and then a 36inch light strip. I was thinking of putting a marine glo bulb in their after ordering it. Woudl that be alright just for the live rock?


jdak702
 
Posts: 382
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 6:26 am

by jdak702

ya, i had the same thing on my 46 gal bow. The truth is it will get dirty with salt creep and other minerals. If you have the water touching it, it will not allow for oxygen exchange. This is how my light is set. You can also see how the powerheads are pumping water over the surface for oxygen.
938b7-DSC01810.JPG


jdak702
 
Posts: 382
Joined: Tue Mar 13, 2007 6:26 am

by jdak702

I can't believe how much this forum downsized that photo. Here is a better pic.

http://img535.imageshack.us/img535/1882/dsc01810h.jpg

FOWLR lighting

19 posts • Page 1 of 2

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