Need help getting new lights

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Vipex23

Large Fish
#1
May 26, 2003
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My plants are dying and I think I need new lights. I currently have 30 watts (two-15watt lights)for a 55 gallon tank. (The idiots at Petland Discounts told me this would be acceptable; one of the many reasons I don't shop there anymore). The lights sit on top of the glass cover. Problem is, I don't know what to get. I don't know the maker of the lights I currently have so I'm not sure if I'm able to put 40 watt bulbs in each without them smoking. I have pictures below. If these aren't good, please let me know what other pictures I should take so you know what I'm talking about. Thanks.


This picture is of the entire fixture and the bulb.
 

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AndyL

AndyL

Large Fish
#4
Oct 22, 2002
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#4
The easiest and cheapest way to upgrade your lighting would be to get a 4' shop light fixture, add a switch and a plug in cord. you'll loose your nice canopy, but you can always build a nice one to contain the shop light...

You should be pretty easily able to find 2/4bulb shoplight fixtures, and they are cheap! 80w would be still a little low light for a 55, but 160 would make your plants go wild :) Just make sure to get suitable bulbs (look for 5500-6500k)
 

HawkEye_Pierce

HawkEye_Pierce

Large Fish
#8
Jul 15, 2003
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#8
Vipex let me see if I can clear up what Andy was trying to say...

He suggested that you go to your local Hardware store (like Home Depot) and get a florescent light system you would hang in your basement or Workshop...preferably a 4 bulb setup...forget about the petstore...what andy said makes sense and I am thinking about doing that next time I get new tank!

You will probably have to build your own hood for the tank and put your new light fixture in there...Basically you'll be building a box that would sit on the top of your tank with the new lights attached...here's an example of a light you can get from Home Depot... http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...ID=ccdhadcimfmifdhcgelceffdfgidgjj.0&MID=9876

its only a 2 bulb system but you het the idea...you may have to be creative...

I hope this helps...
 

AndyL

AndyL

Large Fish
#9
Oct 22, 2002
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#9
Those 2 15W lights on your tank right now are never going to put out more light than 15w (Exception if you overdrive them, but I have no idea how to do that) The only way you're going to be able to upgrade your lighting, is by tossing those plastic encased lights, and either buying a replacement made by JBJ hellolights etc. or by a DIY project to fit a flourescent fixture (available at any hardware store) over your tank.

If you want a new set of lights (in the plastic like yours are now) you're going to spend 60-249$ per light (you need 2). Surf to www.hellolights.com and look around for yourself.

If you can handle a DIY project, you could have 160w over your tank for probably less than a hundred.

Andy
 

AndyL

AndyL

Large Fish
#11
Oct 22, 2002
908
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Calgary AB
#11
Originally posted by Vipex23
Unfortunately, I can't do a DIY project. Will my current light fixture handle 40 watt bulbs? Should I get a double bulb case?
Click to expand...
Anyone can do a DIY project...

But, if you can't figure it out...

My advice would be to go for these...
http://www.hellolights.com/241xcofraq1x.html

You're going to need 2 - it'll give you 130w of lighting.

JBJ Makes some nice setups http://www.jbjlighting.com/sys_formosa_ss_jd2.html The 48" version of this would make a nice light also, no idea on price though.

Andy
 

V

Vipex23

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#12
May 26, 2003
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#12
I'm thinking of going with the 'hellolights' link you gave me. Since it's $65USD each, I'll probably have to buy one now and one a little later. Are you sure this'll go good with my tank? (My tank dimensions are listed above) Should I buy extra bulbs now since it comes with one?
 

AndyL

AndyL

Large Fish
#13
Oct 22, 2002
908
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Calgary AB
#13
well the 2 65w will give you 130w of light, which puts you in the 2wpg range. Adequate for many live plants. The bulbs will last you probably a year or better, so its up to you, CF bulbs are expensive and ordering extras will save you on shipping in the long run.

Check some of the other online pet stores you may find them for less.

Andy
 

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