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Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V3 #48



>Date: Mon, 26 Jan 1998 01:17:00 -0600
>From: Walt <Itchy.Scratchy at worldnet_att.net>
>Subject: Typical beginner's lighting questions!!!
>
>I have a couple of questions on lighting.
>
>(1) What is the standard amount of light needed for a 10 gal tank?
>Referring to page 183 in the Dupla book, 15 watts would be adequate for
>such a tank. Would 15 watts be enough light for plants in the "high
>light" categorty? If not:

I've got a 10 gallon with 2 15W flourescents (GE Plant an Aquarium, $6 ea at
Home Base) in a twin tube "desk lamp" reflector sitting on the glass cover
of the tank.  Plenty of light (consider this relativly high light). 

>(2) Does anyone know of a company that maunfactures twin tube light
>strips for 18" bulbs? There are no aquarium companies that build such
>items. 

 I've also got a 5.5gal with a single Lights of America "under the cabinet"
15watt flourescent fixture ($7.99 including Cool White lamp at Home Base).
You could easily fit two of these on top of a 10 gallon as they measure 3.5"
x 18" x 1.5".  I am currently using the Cool White lamp, but will switch to
something with a higher color temp when it gets old.

>
>(3) GE puts out a "Daylight" tube that is 5000 Kelvins. Is this within
>the desired Kelvin temp. range for plants? Has anyone had any direct
>experience with this bulb? Got any suggetions for others besides
>Vita-lite?

5000K is good.  I have used (3) 40W GE "Daylight" lamps on my 55 with good
results and nice looking colors
>
>Along with reading through FAQ, I've had recommendations from a couple
>of people whom have suggested using two bulbs. I would like to rig my
>tank up with 2 but my current design doesn't give me enough space on the
>top of the tank to do so. Any suggestions on how to rig up a space
>saving twin tube strip light for a 10g would be appreciated (the reason
>for question 2). Keep in mind that I am not an electrician. (I don't
>want to electricute myself)
>
Using 2 Lights of America (or other "under the cabinet" fixtures) should
leave  plenty of space.  You could even stand them up on the long  side
"Back to Back" (actually "Top to Top") for a front to back mesurement of
only about 3".  The only modifications I did were to remove the plastic
"light diffuser", and to re-locate the switch to the top side.  If the lamp
is on a timer, you don't need access to the switch.  You can tinker all you
want with the asthetics (wood cover, etc.) but just the fixture looks OK for
my needs.

        ______  _______
        |             | |               |
        |  Lamp | |  Lamp   |
        |             | |               |
        |    __     | |    ___    |
          (___)   | |   (___) 
_________  | | ____________________________
|
|
                        Tank



>None the less, thank you for your support!
>
>Im gonna be really PO'd if nobody responds to this post......Just
>kidding ;)
>
>Walt
>
><")}}})><
>
>