Need help with Lights

[New-Fish]

I like a bright light but I’ve seen on some reports that too much light makes your algae and bacteria grow out of control and its hard to keep your tank clean.
I’ve seen a lot of reports in here where some people seem to be making a big deal about what type of light to use or is this for salt water only? some people tell me that a shop light will be find but than on the other hand?????????
Can someone help.

thanks

Aty

[CichlidFan]

Re: Need help with Lights

I'm not a expert on lighting, just the opposite actually, but if I may, I would suggest that you describe your set up, whether it be salt water or freshwater, and what you would like to achieve with your lighting needs.

How big (tall) is your tank?
Is is freshwater?
Are you looking to grow any plants....?

Etc..

CF

[treehuggingfishlover]

Re: Need help with Lights

It just all depends on what YOU want :)  Everyone has an opinion, but the best thing is to follow your instinct on that one.  Trial and error will help you decide what you like best.  If you use the bright light, put a few plants in there and have an algae eater or two (like a cute bristle nose :)  

I like both bright and softer lights.  On my two tanks right now I have one of each.  The softer light leaves a nice yellow glow, much more natural than the brighter light.  But, I have more plants in the brighter one.  

So, I would recommend just using what you have and see how you like it......

[New-Fish]

Re: Need help with Lights

The tank is not up and running yet, i'm still trying to get the filtartion system for it but will be fresh water for sure, the tank is a tall 165 gal and it came with what looks like a shop light with a home made canopy i will be using filter pool sand in it and i just want it to look nice but not to risk anything in it with the wrong light..

thanks

[CichlidFan]

Re: Need help with Lights

Well, since your not growing plants, you're not going to need any special lighting requirements, but make sure the canopy has a open surface area somewhere on it so heat can escape from the shop light. Since you cannot see the light under the canopy, it's really not important to have anything fancy under it.

Again, it is just a matter of choice....what ever works for you....but don't forget about the heat factor under the canopy.

CF

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Need help with Lights

On my 150's I use two of the single Strip Lights, and that is really not enough light.

They need to be the dual-lights that come standard on the 180 gallons and whatnot.

In that canopy of yours I would get another dual bulb shop light, and that would be way more than enough light.

[PhishPhreek]

Re: Need help with Lights

I used to run a 10g tank with a 7.5W incandescent bulb.
It made a great night light and it never harmed any fish
but for some reason, I couldn't grow any plants (or algae).

For years we all used flourescent tubes... lots of light and no heat,
but still not enough light for anything excep really low light plants.
The only way to grow plants was to put the tank next to a window.

Now we have all kinds of bright light systems and wave length options,
but along with that we have heating problems and the need for fans.
And timers to make sure we don't leave the light on too long.

Your dual 40W florescent shop light is great (cheap) for viewing fish.
Turn the light off when you go to bed or buy a timer.
When you get ther urge to grow a jungle, you'll need to upgrade.    

[New-Fish]

Re: Need help with Lights

Thanks guys, very informative and helpful..

hey thanks Geoff for taking the time to look at my almost finish set up and make sure that i was heading in the right direction...

Aty

[geoff_tropheus]

Re: Need help with Lights

Not a problem at all..now just get some fish in there..

[twofronts]

Re: Need help with Lights

power glos, here.

also with the depth of that thin i stongly suggest double light fixtures.

I still say putl some trophs in that bugger.