DennisP Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 I'm not quite sure I like the bright 2 x 54w t5 HO lights in my tank. Just looks too bright compared to the rest of the set up. I am wanting it to look like this if possible. The options so far: -Floating plants. -New Lights. -???? 1: I have some Riccia in there now, not that it is enough yet but it will get there. 2: Prefer not to due to $$$$$ 3: ????? Has anyone else tried this before? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Duckweed is good for that. As is tiger lotus which just happens to grow wonderfully in a juwel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisP Posted September 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Duckweed is good for that. As is tiger lotus which just happens to grow wonderfully in a juwel! :evil: That is exactly what I originally bought it for. Then, Just as I tear down the tank it starts to send out lily pads... Don't really want it in the current set up though as I am happy with the layout. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 New lights will be cheap as :-? Single T8 or CFL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 How to buy a thousand dollar tank and ruin it. DIY the light hood. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisP Posted September 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 How to buy a thousand dollar tank and ruin it. DIY the light hood. :lol: This is also what I'm conscious of. :lol: What new lights? Without ruining the sockets etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 You can downgrade to a juwel T8 but still that's a couple of hundred. Not worth it. Just use surface plants. I know I would. It makes the most sense. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 I'm not quite sure I like the bright 2 x 54w t5 HO lights in my tank. Just looks too bright compared to the rest of the set up. The fact that there are TWO of them suggests a quick and easy possibility... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Yeah I would take a tube out and go with that.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 I don't think it is safe to run only one. Just like the other HO hoods. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisP Posted September 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 I don't think it is safe to run only one. Just like the other HO hoods. Why? Also, wouldn't there still be electric current going through the sockets? Potentially fatal to LE POISSON? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Dunno. Just what I've been told. Not sure I'd want to experiment with $400 units. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisP Posted September 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Exactly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 There would be a 230V potential between the 2 (or one and earth) so that could be an issue. I don't think you would damage the fittings removing one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 The sheer amount of water that condenses on the tubes and the inside of the hood should be enough reason to not use only one tube. So unless you silicone it up to conceal and waterproof the sockets I wouldn't risk it. Then there is still the matter of - Is it safe to use only one tube, when we specifically get told not to use only one tube with an electronic ballast and computer chip thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Yeah it would be hard to waterproof, if it was me I would take it apart and disconnect it and make it safe I wouldn't have a tank with really good high lighting pay the power to run it and wear out good tubes to grow floating plants, but that is just me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 I'd grab a bunch of Riccia if you're going with floating plants. It always seems to be in demand and that way you're not "wasting" your HO lighting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allister_B Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 some light fittings need both tubes to run, if not u can just take one out, if the unit is sealed/ has a cover it will be fine. from what i have seen the fittings used are pretty water tight as they are specially made for these sorts of applications. inside will be a glass fuse and i assume u either have an RCD in your switchboard or are running your leads through a portable RCD. this will stop you getting a nasty shock, take it from me i'm a electrician shocks are not nice and can kill take all measures to make yourself safe. if your unsure on anything PM me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisP Posted September 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 I've got some Riccia in there atm. Could do with some more though. I'm so impatient. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Indian fern? You'd have to deal with a few roots hanging down into the tank though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanjury Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Indian fern will very quickly cover the top of the tank and do the job.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Do you have the reflectors that you can buy with juwels? If you do just put it exactly the wrong way around so they reflect light up and not down. Problem solved with no mess. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
malevolentsparkle Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 could you use non HO T5s? otherwise floating plants is the way to go. I love Indian fern but some don't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted September 22, 2010 Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 The tank comes with Juwels version of HO tubes and the suitable unit; so simply put - no you cannot substitute normal T5s with the HOs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DennisP Posted September 22, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 22, 2010 Do you have the reflectors that you can buy with juwels? If you do just put it exactly the wrong way around so they reflect light up and not down. Problem solved with no mess. Thats actually a good Idea. But they cost like $80 per reflector don't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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