Making my light the right light for the job

David B. Diehl

David B. Diehl

Aspiring Aquascaper
Purchased a fluorescent light from Factory Direct Sales on E-bay. It is a 48" 324 watt Ho Ascetic REEF light with timer. I think manufacture is a company called Yescom USA, Inc. Had no instructions with it, missing parts, and needed to be rewired. It works now. Have a new 75 gal tank that I will be transferring everything over to. All beginner plants, list is on other forum under algae fuzz. Need to know if I wasted my money or if it can be used on new tank. Right now over 55 gal, 3 bulbs on from 9:00am till 1:00pm and again 4:00pm till 10:00pm blue and white bulbs with blue LEDs over night. Working with another member to get rid of algae on plants. Picture 1 is of tank after planting new plants about April or May. Picture 2 is tank now.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_20160601_194139839 [38403].jpg
    IMG_20160601_194139839 [38403].jpg
    1.4 MB · Views: 222
  • new file fish tank.jpg
    new file fish tank.jpg
    1.2 MB · Views: 259
Are you running pressurized CO2?

Why the light overnight? are you not sleeping and want to be able to see it?
 
ShadowMac said:
Are you running pressurized CO2?

Why the light overnight? are you not sleeping and want to be able to see it?
Click to expand...
Light is off from 10:00pm until 8:00 am and then only 3 bulbs at a time. On for 5 hours, off for 2 hours, then back on for 5 hours. Only 16 little blue LEDs are on 24 hours
 
I guess that fixture would be more suited for marine aquarium, would recommend swapping blue tubes to something that's meant for plant growth.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
 
sushant said:
I guess that fixture would be more suited for marine aquarium, would recommend swapping blue tubes to something that's meant for plant growth.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Unfortunately it's all I have so will have to make due
 
Been about a year now with this light when should I be looking at switching out the bulbs? They are only on for 5 hours a day now as only using 3 at a time. You suggested switching out the blue, would high output grow lights work and where can I find them?
 
Without knowing the science behind this most manafacturers recommend T8 and T5 something like every 12 to 18 months.I think the reason is given that "phospers" in the tube degrade after this time and although the tube may appear just the same its effectiveness is reduced. It would not be their interest to just say this,although there are examples of good aquascapes were t5HO have been left a lot longer.I think George Farmer replaces t5 less frequently than recommended. Best to use lights what are pleasing to look at from your point of view your plants will not be that fussed along as you get the amount of, photoperiod etc right
 
I always changed my T8 tubes every 12 months, the non technical way to describe the old tubes is even though they can give you light it is now not suitable for your plants.

I always had 1 daylight & 1 plant light on for 12 per day and no algae problems at all. The LFS always had them in stock.

Keith:cat::cat:
 
keithgh said:
I always changed my T8 tubes every 12 months, the non technical way to describe the old tubes is even though they can give you light it is now not suitable for your plants.

I always had 1 daylight & 1 plant light on for 12 per day and no algae problems at all. The LFS always had them in stock.

Keith:cat::cat:
Click to expand...
My light uses 3 lights at a time because of the way the light is wired to the timer. Have 2 blue and 1 white for 5 hours, then off for 2 hours, Then 2 white and 1 blue for another 5 hours, very little daylight just enough to see. Don't know what they do they're Sea World T-5 54watt. Three 12,000k and three Ascetic. What should I look for, Here their about $20.00 each so don't want to get the wrong ones.
 
David

Did you check those tubes out I have been wondering if they were more suitable for a marine tank?

Keith:cat::cat:
 
David you should be able to get the T5 FW tubes at your LFS eg 1 Plant and 1 Daylight then see how that goes. Take the light unit with you.

Keith:cat::cat:
 
keithgh said:
David you should be able to get the T5 FW tubes at your LFS eg 1 Plant and 1 Daylight then see how that goes. Take the light unit with you.

Keith:cat::cat:
Click to expand...
Will have to get 2 plant, 1 daylight for each side. Can't take light with me on city transportation. Going to reread the substrate article for information on using the peat moss in the filter system.
 
David

I can read that as 4 tubes or 6 tubes either way that is a lot of light for a low tech FW tank.
I believe peat moss can be used but it will increase the tannin in your water.

Keith :cat::cat:
 
keithgh said:
David

I can read that as 4 tubes or 6 tubes either way that is a lot of light for a low tech FW tank.
I believe peat moss can be used but it will increase the tannin in your water.

Keith :cat::cat:
Click to expand...
Only use 3 bulbs at a time, that is the minimum the light can light. Each side is on a separate timer.
 
David
Why do you have to get the bulbs for both sides? Even 3 bulbs could be too much.

Over all I think it would be better if you bought a new 2 bulb FW light unit and ran a 24hr timer.

Keith:cat::cat:
 
keithgh said:
David
Why do you have to get the bulbs for both sides? Even 3 bulbs could be too much.

Over all I think it would be better if you bought a new 2 bulb FW light unit and ran a 24hr timer.

Keith:cat::cat:
Click to expand...
Been running 3 bulbs now for over a year with very little algae growth. Almost all the LFS are now going with LEDs and are too expensive plus don't last as long as they say. LED bulbs last 20 years, the electronics don't. Still about 2 watts per gallon on all the tanks now.
If I buy anything it will be another heater for the RO water tubs for water changes.
Those green rocks I have I think they're Limestone. Every night the snails are all over them.
Will be checking copper levels today at fish store. Then doing water changes and filter changes. Using Pillow stuffing in filters a lot cheaper and same material.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top