Aquarium Lighting Question:

Question

So I got my tank set up, fish plants all that. THEN I realize that I'm not getting nearly enough output from my florescent hood to sustain my plants. At 1 Watt per gallon my plants are slowly withering away.

I've researched ALL DAY about fixtures, bulbs and housing units. And I've decided that $500.00 for a new lighting system is out of the question.

So I go look in the storage building because I could have sworn we had an old shop light in there and there is! It's a 4 foot strip housing two bulbs which would give me my 2 Watts per gallon, with the right bulbs.

My question is, not only how in the world am i going to hang that thing on my tile ceiling,

but what about a blacklight?? It's housing two blacklight bulbs right now, and I was wondering if anyone had any info on them, perhaps I can use one blacklight bulb and one 6,700K bulb to achieve my desired growing results???

I'm planning on using a metallic paint on the unit to end up with a self reflecting hood, will this be safe for my fish?

Plant specialists, HELP!

Answer 1

get a 100 watt

Answer 2

what are you talking about?!?!?!?

Answer 3

Black light is not the way to go, research T5 lights, there small and compact but pack a boom where plants are concerned, I just lay them across the top of my tank without any problems, the lid still fits and the fish and plants thrive.

Answer 4

I'm just as confused as the person before me. Just get a light big enough for your fish aquarium. What does a fish aquarium light have to do with plants?

Answer 5

Using a shop light is a very cost effective way to light your tank, but you can't use the bulbs that are already in it. Go to the pet store and get 6700K bulbs. I don't know if the metallic paint will help much, but it can't hurt. Just be sure to use a paint that can withstand high temperatures or it will melt. I would suggest using spray paint made for furnaces and stoves. Hanging the fixture from a tile ceiling will be a little tricky. If there is a frame around the tiles just attatch it to that. If not, you'll probably have to go into the attic and anchor the chain to the beams. You could also try building a stand that will sit on top of the tank and support the light.

edit: Don't use blacklights. They produce ultraviolet light, but plants need light from the opposite end of the spectrum. Hang the fixture a few inches from the surface. Also, be sure to use a glass cover so that water can't splash on the lights.