fluorescent lights

[dgodwin]

With my tank I received a light that has a 20w bulb. Is it possible to purchase a higher wattage bulb for the fixture, or do I have to purchase a whole new one? I eventually want to make my own canopy and put in a 96w bright kit from http://www.ahsupply.com, so I'm looking for a short term solution to make the plants I have happier. Any information would be great. Thanks!

 

[sinasster]

its hard to anwser you questions when you tell us so little. so please share the size, brand, shape or perhaps even a picture.

 

[dgodwin]

the hood is a standard all glass 36" hood with 24" fixture. The bulb it came with is a GE aqualife 20w bulb. The bulb has a pinkish cast to it. What else do you need to know?

 

[Wonderwoman]

you can't just stick a higher wattage bulb in, because it'll put out the same amount of light. the electricity goes through something called a ballast, which is what controls how much gets put out to the bulb. (some superduper folks can build their own fixtures, and use ballasts that are rated higher than their bulbs, forcing the bulbs to put out more light: "overdriving"). anyway, i don't know what to tell you for the moment. maybe you should go ahead and put in that ahsupply, because i don't think there's much you could do to your existing hood that would be worth it if you eventually planned to change canopies anyway.

 

[dgodwin]

That's what I thought, but I wasn't sure. I guess I'll make a list of what I need, and just order it. I won't be getting the hood until Dec. 25th, unless I can talk my father into building it and giving it to me early though.