Strong lighting vs longer lighting period

[PKB]

Hi,

Recently I put a mess over my tank to prevent my fishes from jumping out of the tank.
I realize that tank gets dimmer (Rightfully).

So far the plants is doing ok but a thought came to my mind. If in the long run, the plants start to suffer want can I do. Assuming the CO2 level and nutrients are sufficient.

I am using 55W x 4 on a 422 now. There is no more space to add anymore lights. Will
prolonging the lighting period (From 8 hrs to maybe 9 or 10 hrs) help to compensate the weaken lights penetration?

Please feel free to comment. Thank you.

[Shadow]

No it does not, light intensity and light period is totally different thing. You might want to use Acrylic for the cover.

[PKB]

No it does not, light intensity and light period is totally different thing. You might want to use Acrylic for the cover.

Acrylic minimize the blockage of light it will raise the temperature of the tank and I am not running on a chillier.

Hopefully the plants will be ok. The hair grass is sending runners but new blade have not start protruding out from the sol yet. Will monitor and see if changes are necessary.

Thanks Robert

[thebaldingaquarist]

Get acrylic sheets that make up the middle of the tank.
Thats what i did.
Imagine a large rectangle with rectangles cut out from the corners.
I can feed through the corners and water evaporation is not hindered.

[PKB]

Get acrylic sheets that make up the middle of the tank.
Thats what i did.
Imagine a large rectangle with rectangles cut out from the corners.
I can feed through the corners and water evaporation is not hindered.

My tank temperature is between 26 - 28 degree with 2 Fans blowing. With the Arcylic sheet, my fans will not be able to cool the tank down.
If the hole is too big, my fish will jump and become salted fish by the time I discover.

Thanks for the sharing Eric

[bennyc]

How about drilling holes like those seen inpartition.

[Sleepy_lancs]

Actually, with a 422 tank. You can easily squeeze 2 sets of 4 x 55watts PL Lights. I did that for my 422 previously. However, the amount of light is really high. I did also try with 4 x 55 watts PL plus 2 sets of Single FL light to provide better spread less intensity and at the same time helps the fish to adjust from darkness to sudden light. It works well but I do occasionally see jumpers on my floor. To assist, I added some floating plants like duckweeds. Hope this helps.

[ConcaveLiNkiN]

Acrylic minimize the blockage of light it will raise the temperature of the tank and I am not running on a chillier.

Hopefully the plants will be ok. The hair grass is sending runners but new blade have not start protruding out from the sol yet. Will monitor and see if changes are necessary.

Thanks Robert

You might want to get a quadfan, it potentially reduce at least 2C constantly. I have it above my tank. When the lights are ON (2set of 2x24W) my temperature will rise to around 31C, with the fans turned on, I manage to maintain the temperature below 29C.

You might want to give it a try.


Cheers
eRic

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[PKB]

How about drilling holes like those seen inpartition.

That seems workable.

Thanks man

[PKB]

Actually, with a 422 tank. You can easily squeeze 2 sets of 4 x 55watts PL Lights. I did that for my 422 previously. However, the amount of light is really high. I did also try with 4 x 55 watts PL plus 2 sets of Single FL light to provide better spread less intensity and at the same time helps the fish to adjust from darkness to sudden light. It works well but I do occasionally see jumpers on my floor. To assist, I added some floating plants like duckweeds. Hope this helps.

2 sets of 4 X 55w seems a lot. I will monitor the plants growth and decide.

Thanks for the sharing

[PKB]

You might want to get a quadfan, it potentially reduce at least 2C constantly. I have it above my tank. When the lights are ON (2set of 2x24W) my temperature will rise to around 31C, with the fans turned on, I manage to maintain the temperature below 29C.

You might want to give it a try.


Cheers
eRic

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I was looking at the quad fans earlier on but I realize I can't fix it on my tank because of the bracing on top.

The only area that can fix the quad fan is at the 2 width of the tank but that space was taken up by the lightings stand.

[ConcaveLiNkiN]

I was looking at the quad fans earlier on but I realize I can't fix it on my tank because of the bracing on top.

The only area that can fix the quad fan is at the 2 width of the tank but that space was taken up by the lightings stand.

Care to share a picture of the top of your tank. Perhaps, we could think of something for you.


Cheers
eRic

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[PKB]

Care to share a picture of the top of your tank. Perhaps, we could think of something for you.


Cheers
eRic

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hi, here's the tank picture.

Plants so far are doing ok, only thing is that the hair grass are not spreading.

[ConcaveLiNkiN]

Will your plastic mesh sink if you place anything on it? I was thinking those computer fans they sell in Sim Lim Tower, expecially this bigger one:



I was thinking of something like:


a little overkill perhaps? But I think it should really cool things abit. Please note on the electrician, I believe this fans run on 12V. You might need to check with the experts in Sim Lim Tower how to get them connected.

[felix_fx2]

eric,

PC fans mostly 12v, if hook up to 5v will run slower.
Larger fan might be 120mm. Computer fans more common in 80/90/120mm formats (but there's a few larger ones by various vendors.)

[ConcaveLiNkiN]

That means we will potentially need a 12V adaptor (will 1 be sufficient?) to power the six fans. IF we are looking at 6pcs, I guess we could go with the 80mm, my opinion, get the ones that are widely available, they cost cheaper. Mounting the fans to the mesh could be simple with the right size of:


You might need to spend more time on powering the fans, I believe you do not want everything to go up flame... kidding on the flame, serious on the electric.

[felix_fx2]

think can open new thread for this already. its a long talk when its pc fans.

PBK, I noticed your tank is euro bracing. but why skimmer looks like running off its own powerhead. cannot attach to your ehiem install kit?

[Max Lim]

How come from light talk until fan as I read down.. what next? Chiller?:lol
I just want to share a light info as attached

[PKB]

think can open new thread for this already. its a long talk when its pc fans.

PBK, I noticed your tank is euro bracing. but why skimmer looks like running off its own powerhead. cannot attach to your ehiem install kit?

Yes, my tank has bracing, I got from from a bro here who use it to keep bigger fish. The skimmer can be installed to the ehiem inlet, it will take abit of DIY, the bracing makes it a bit more difficult as I have to ensure that the skimmer clears the bracing.

But since I need a power head to enhance the water circulation, I might as well use it for skimming purposes.