Re: Lighting Options for an Open Top Tank

[Alex Holeczy <alex at wmi_com>]

On Wednesday 06 August 2003 05:51, Roger wrote:

>> On Wednesday 06 August 2003 03:09, Alex wrote:

>> Has anyone successfully used compact fluorescence lighting on an open
>> top aquarium?

> I have 6x55 watt AHSupply brite kits over my 150 gallon tank.  I'm very
> pleased with the results.

> The lights are mounted on a rack that rests on top of the aquarium.
> About 2/3 of the top of the tank is open.  I did a more detailed
> description and photo layout in a post to the DIY forum at Aquabotanic.
> There are three major differences between my setup and what you
> have currently, other than the difference between PC and T8.
> First, my lights have good reflectors,
> which I presume your T8's do not.  Second, the bottom of my
> reflectors are only about an inch and a half above the water.
> Finally, the light rack prevents a lot of light from spilling
> out of the tank.
>
>
> Roger Miller

Roger,

I tried searching the Aquabotanics web site for the article you referenced
but I could not find it.

From your description, I am figuring you have two rows of CF lights in the
back 1/3 of your tank and the lights are fairly close to the water.  How
do you think your lighting would work if you raised it 9 inches?

Currently my light enclosure has individual inverted 'W' shaped reflectors
for each T8 bulb.  I also have a grid in front of the bulbs to redirect
the light straight down.  I have tried to optimize the available light
that the plants receive but I am still not happy with the results.

I really would prefer having a fulling open tank and not have the lights
sitting as close to the water as your tank.

Thanks for the input,

Alex

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Alex Holeczy (alex at wmi_com)
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