Simple 3 foot Shop Lights ok to use ?

[Nate1247]

Okay so are you saying if I get


My plants (in general) should be fine with just this one light?http://store1.yimg.com/I/lamps-now_1852_6585487

(that will run length of viv so all plants should get the light)

[Nate1247]

Well now I'm leaning toward getting this light http://www.hellolights.com/36spec30watf.html

It is in the 6500k color range.

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This is probably more of what you are after.

http://www.esuweb.com/downloadimage.asp ... mgType=art

notice the color range is listed on the front of the package.

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The above one looks good. I posted without seeing it.

Here is another link.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 2146962447

[Nate1247]

So if I have that 6700k light running the length of my tank that should enough light for all my plants? Meaning....only light ill need

[Nate1247]

http://www.hellolights.com/36spec30watf.html

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pr...2146962447
Which would you get? I know it prolly doesnt matter...id just prefer you pick one of the other

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The coral life, because its cheaper. One will be enough but more is always better. lol If you have the fixtures laying around use them. I see lots of people using 2 over a tank. I use 3 CF lights and 2 uv lights.

I wont even bother with the UV since its debateble wether it does any good or not.

[Nate1247]

Yeah well some people say UV is better for breeding..oh well...Yeah so that coral life ill get...also...what about heat? If I got two would it create a lot of heat?

Answer that ^^ but for now ill just get the one light if you say that's all I need light was for my viv.

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With regular flourescent lights i do not think you will generate much heat.

But this raises questions:
Is the fixture going to be inside a hood?
if yes then a vent without a fan will probably be fine
if no then you should be fine

How far away from the top will the fixture be:
This will change the temps and will need to be monitored. You will have to find what works best for you. The closest as possible without raising the temps to much. In the winter you may want to have it closer to raise the temps.

With the CF lights yes i feel a compueter fan is a must especially if its in an enclosed hood.

And do your self a favor and buy a digital temp/humidity guage with a remote humidity sensor. www.drfostersmith.com has them the little analog ones do not work well and give false readings. The remote sensor part is a must if you want the guage to last, the humidity destroys the electronics.

[Nate1247]

The light will be outside on top of the plexi glass shining in though it...and the light will be about 15-18 inches from the subtrate

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You should be fine. You might need to adjust the light up or down depending on the temp readings you get inside the tank.

[Nate1247]

If I need to cool it down..what are some options?

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Since you stated earlier that the light will not be in a hood. All you do is raise the light an inch or two more from the top of the tank. Try using a small fan to blow air along the outside of the tank top and light fixture. Rinse and repeat until acceptable temps are achieved in the tank.

[Nate1247]

Keep raising till right ....

Now humidy to worry about........I can make a 4 inch wide and 8in long hole with screen in the plexi top for ventaltion then cut that cut-out into 4in wide 2in long strips to put over the screen to increase the humidity.

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Sounds like it will work. Dont forget to get a decent humidity guage. 8)

[Nate1247]

Can you do me some huge favors ?

-tell me what temp is good for leucs (when breeding too)

-tell me what humidity % is good for leucs (when breeding too)

-give me a link to a nice thermometer

-give me a link to a nice humidity gauge

Thank you for all your help !

[Nate1247]

hmmm anyone ?

[Philsuma]

5.5 years later....

[Venutus1]

So I should only need the one bulb for the plants? (the full spectrum one)

Maybe I wasn't reading to good, but tell me again what size tank you have?

There is nothing wrong with a clamp on light like the one in the pic.
Personally, I would just use a *very* good full spectrum CFL in it.
However, I think you may need more than one to do the trick. A 25 watt cfl. would light a 10-15 gal. set up fine.... but if you had say an 18 x 18 x 18 or 24H, (25 - 33 gal.)then you should consider 2 or more 25 watt cfls.

Zo Med or Exo Terra hood/ strip lights that take CFLs and they are not too expensive. Something to consider, as well.

Hope this helps.

Have you seen this fixture?: