Eclipse 37 gallon. Is it enough light for plants? - General Aquarium Plants Discussions

thai · 08-16-2008, 09:22 PM

I just got a Eclipse 37 gallon tank with the hood that has a built in filter and lights. The lights that come with the tank is only two 18 watts bulb, which is pretty low.

I don't have a definite plan for the tank yet but I know I want to be able to grow a carpet plant like HC. Do you think that is enough light? If not is there anything I can do to give it more light?

chagovatoloco · 08-16-2008, 09:42 PM

I think that is a little low, try to get at least 2wpg. From my experience most carpet plants like higher light levels.

thai · 08-16-2008, 09:54 PM

Thanks for the reply.

Is there anything I can do to get more light into the tank. I would like to keep the hood setup the same if I can.

chagovatoloco · 08-17-2008, 09:49 AM

Look in to some retro fit kits.

http://www.ahsupply.com/

I don't know how much space you have to work with but for a low light 37 gallon I would go with a 96watt kit.

thai · 08-18-2008, 04:50 PM

I think I might get rid of the Eclipse hood that it came with and go with some other type of lighting and filter. Does anyone have any recommendations for a filter and lights?

chagovatoloco · 08-18-2008, 06:20 PM

Sounds like a good idea, I like coralife lights and most use eheim filters.

Bert H · 08-19-2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thai

... Does anyone have any recommendations for a filter and lights?

36W over 37gal definitely will not grow carpet type plants - it won't grow much of anything. I also recommend the ahs retrofits. If you can find one which will work with the hood/strip your tank came with it would save you a little $, perhaps. I would estimate you'd need in the neighborhood of 80-100W with good reflectors, if you want to carpet in there.

thai · 08-19-2008, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bert H

36W over 37gal definitely will not grow carpet type plants - it won't grow much of anything. I also recommend the ahs retrofits. If you can find one which will work with the hood/strip your tank came with it would save you a little $, perhaps. I would estimate you'd need in the neighborhood of 80-100W with good reflectors, if you want to carpet in there.

I checked out AHS and noticed that they have a 2x55 kit. I was thinking about getting that one cause that would bring me to about 110watts. Does anyone have experience with retrofitting a Eclipse 37g hood?

Bert H · 08-20-2008, 05:48 AM

Kim at AHS is a great guy to talk with. He'll honestly answer if you can do what you want, with what you have. I'd give him a call and see what he says. Back when I retrofitted a couple of strips, I called him multiple times and he always was helpful.

GaCat · 08-20-2008, 06:31 AM

Hey Man,
I did a retro using the GLO T5 HO. For bulbs I'm using Currents, 14W 10,000k Daylight and the High Output (pink). My Guy at the store said there'd be plenty of light, he was right. I was able to keep the fixture and light cover by doing a little modification. I'm now building a new light for my 20g using the lamp from the Eclipse. If you need to know how, I can help.