AquaVitamins Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 Hey, I have just used a formula i found on the internet to work out weather my tank is getting enough light for the plants im trying to grow. Watts Divided by Gallons Then 1-2 = low light 2-3 = med light and 3+ = high light Anyway.. I have a low light tank, BUT i want it to be a High light tank. so i need more Wattage!! i currently have 24W light over my 60L tank. So to increase the light wattage, should i buy another light or upgrade or.. what? And how much for each option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 what sort of light is this? what is the Kelvin rating? is it a t5 or a t8 (normal)? T5's are usually in xs. of $200 - if you get the good ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AquaVitamins Posted May 13, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 what sort of light is this? what is the Kelvin rating? is it a t5 or a t8 (normal)? T5's are usually in xs. of $200 - if you get the good ones. What? T5?, xs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinsonMassif Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 T5= tube diameter = 5/8ths of an inch. T8 = 8/8th inch or 1 inch diameter tube. I take it xs = excess Kelvin rating is usually the last digits of the number n the outside of a tube. Usually 840 (4000k) or 865 (6500k). 8 refers to the version number of the tube. Kelvin is the temperature of the light produced. 5500 - 6500k is normal daylight temperature in which plants are able to utilize this light for photosynthesis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 that is why the intelligent grasshopper waits for specials, lol my hood is retailed at about $370 + the tubes are about $80 each, and there's 2 of them. (4ft light). course you can save on tubes if you get them from an electrical wholesaler. yes... xs. = excess, chemistry term, lol... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 The formula is a bit of a fallacy realy because the important factors are the depth of water and the time the lights are on for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alanmin4304 Posted May 13, 2009 Report Share Posted May 13, 2009 To grow plants realy well you need strong light (which you are aiming for) but you also need sufficient fertilizers and available carbon. Strong light by it self is not the complete answer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elusive_fish Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 I had a 24W light over my last 2ft tank and constantly had to cut back the plants. From what i've read a lot depends on the depth of the tank -and your tank is only 1ft deep. How are the plants you currently have growing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaNs Posted May 14, 2009 Report Share Posted May 14, 2009 That forumula has a huge flaw From what i've read a lot depends on the depth of the tank -and your tank is only 1ft deep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AquaVitamins Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 My light... It says this on the sticker; model T4 - S24 50Hz-240V 1 x 24Watts The plants are all growing fine atm. But im just impatient. If i were to also buy a ferteliser what brand? Im going to Hutt Pets 2day so id like to have a few things cleared up, Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VinsonMassif Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 I would recommend you get jbl root tabs and some Flourish Excel for liquid carbon source. Also you could get regular Flourish supplement which provides some micro nutrients. Other than that I would not dose a 60L tank with macro nutrients regularly. There is too much room for error which would leave you with an imbalance. There is a strong possibility for that to lead to an outbreak of algae. Plus adding a lot of nutrients costs money, and in such a small tank you would be taking out plants every week and throwing them away. So IMHO it would be more advantageous to spend money on things like yummy eats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HaNs Posted May 15, 2009 Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Flourish Excel + PMDD + 6500k power save bulbs = crazy growth Can be all had for under $50. You will e pulling out plants once a week Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AquaVitamins Posted May 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 15, 2009 Flourish Excel + PMDD + 6500k power save bulbs = crazy growth Can be all had for under $50. You will e pulling out plants once a week PMDD = What? Ill buy the Flourish Excel today, and the lighting? 6500k you say,, k I think ill need to buy a new fitting thingy though. Would you buy that at mire 10 or bunnings? or at the pet shop?? (sorry im clueless) Under $50 SAWEET!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scottie841 Posted May 18, 2009 Report Share Posted May 18, 2009 I just have 2x 24W energy saver bulbs (standard light fitting $5 from M10) and lots of fish poo and some clay balls (dont know the name of them) in a 125L tank We have had amazing growth and everything is looking good Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silva Posted May 18, 2009 Report Share Posted May 18, 2009 would a 105watt cool white cfl work for plants in either a 1 or 1 1/2 foot deep tank? bulb says: 4U105BC Z283 220-240V 50/60Hz Just wondering before i put the effort into making a reflector for it thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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