[Wet Thumb Forum]-Lighting Control Options - DIY Aquarium Projects

Dave Cushing · 08-04-2003, 09:41 AM

I am setting up my first aquarium, a 50 gallon planted. I am still in all the planning stages but have been browsing this and other forums for advice.

I bought a 2x96w PC light set from www.ahsupply.com. I am a little worried though that at 3.8 wpg I may have more light than I want. I am installing a pressurized CO2 system as well.

Depending on the amount of growth I get, it is possible to do a sequential operation of the lights. In other words, have one light on for 10-12 hours, then use the second light for a shorter period of time, say 5-6 hours. I realize this would take slightly different wiring, but it could be fairly easily accomplished.

Thanks

Dave

Dave Cushing · 08-04-2003, 09:41 AM

I am setting up my first aquarium, a 50 gallon planted. I am still in all the planning stages but have been browsing this and other forums for advice.

I bought a 2x96w PC light set from www.ahsupply.com. I am a little worried though that at 3.8 wpg I may have more light than I want. I am installing a pressurized CO2 system as well.

Depending on the amount of growth I get, it is possible to do a sequential operation of the lights. In other words, have one light on for 10-12 hours, then use the second light for a shorter period of time, say 5-6 hours. I realize this would take slightly different wiring, but it could be fairly easily accomplished.

Thanks

Dave

George Willms · 08-04-2003, 10:06 AM

I run a double bulb set-up also. I have the lights staggered, so that my total light time is 12 hours, but each bulb is on for only 10 hours. This way I get 65w/2hrs, 130w/8hrs, and 65w/2hrs. All I do is use two appliance timers.

George

Tank specs in profile

ranchwest · 08-04-2003, 10:39 AM

I'm not an electrical guru, though looking at my tank I'm thinking I'm getting there. ha!

The AH kits with two reflectors come with one ballast and electric cord. How would you control the bulbs independently? This may be an elementary question, but I don't know.

I do know that with some plants that if you get too much light going then they'll grow horizontal instead of vertical. Hygrophila Polysperma is that way.

Dave Cushing · 08-04-2003, 11:03 AM

Control is not that difficult. You actually have to order two single light kits, so you have two ballasts, then you wire them independantly.

George Willms · 08-05-2003, 02:03 AM

I have H. polysperma growing in two tanks, it's vertical in my 4+ wpg tank, and horizontal in my 1.3 wpg tank. I think it has more to do with the type and quality of light for that species than intensity.

George

Tank specs in profile

Jack11 · 08-05-2003, 06:24 AM

O.K.
I have what I believe to be the same problem on my 10 gallon. Except, I would be satisfied with 3.8 wpg. I happen to currently have almost double that right now with a 2x36 watt kit from AHS. Everything is great!! However, my het. zosterafolia is growing to about 2.5" and stopping. My rotalla wallachii is also stunted. I know that many people don't follow the usual 2-4wpg rules on smaller tanks but, I may have gone overboard. Is there any way to run both bulbs on the same ballast with separate power cords and at separate times. This would allow me to have them on at the same time for limited "peak" lighting periods. Thanks.
Jack

George Willms · 08-05-2003, 06:59 AM

I don't think it's possible to have two power cords and one ballast. Sorry.

George

Tank specs in profile

ranchwest · 08-05-2003, 08:22 AM

I've only got AH 4x55 on my 100g and if I leave the lights on too long I get horizontal growth on the green hygro, so you definitely can have some unwanted side effects to a lot of light.

Jack11 · 08-05-2003, 10:31 AM

Son of a Diddly!
Well, has anyone else here had any success growing plants at wattage this high? I guess I can rework my lights on this tank to include 2 ballasts, each with a separate bulb, power supply and timer. It'll probably cost me another 36w ballast that I'd planned to use somewhere else and a power cord but, I'm afraid that this is too much light to get any vertical growth. I never thought I'd say that! I've yet to have to prune either my rotala or stargrass and its been about a month! Very healthy but, stunted and very compact. Of all the reasons to have to rework your lighting. Too much!!
Jack