Doubled My Lighting......

[nmcturner]

I just finished adding a second ballast, second starter, second 20W bulb to my strip light. It had a 20W already so now I have 40W.

To me the tank does not look any brighter than it did before. Is this normal? I can tell that both bulbs are lit. Even though I can't tell, can my plants tell?

Thanks
-Nick

 

[DevUK]

Its going to depend on what tubes you used and what colour temperature they are. I can tell the difference between 2x 30w tubes and 3x30w tubes (Even though the third is old 30w tube). the 2 new ones are arcadia freshwater, the old tube is some random tropical tube.

Are you using reflectors? It might make a bigger impact with reflectors

 

[nmcturner]

Its going to depend on what tubes you used and what colour temperature they are. I can tell the difference between 2x 30w tubes and 3x30w tubes (Even though the third is old 30w tube). the 2 new ones are arcadia freshwater, the old tube is some random tropical tube.

Are you using reflectors? It might make a bigger impact with reflectors

I was hoping to make my own reflectors, but I have no idea how. I'm gonna do some research.

I read somewhere that white paint is the best reflector and it seems the strip is already painted white (or at least the plastic it's made out of is white).

 

[DevUK]

Not sure on white paint. Mirrored/chrome material is what most reflectors tend to be made from. You could consider tin-foil, but I've been told that generally because its very difficult to get it flat/smooth it refracts light all over the place and doesn't do a good job.

 

[garuf]

Not sure on white paint. Mirrored/chrome material is what most reflectors tend to be made from. You could consider tin-foil, but I've been told that generally because its very difficult to get it flat/smooth it refracts light all over the place and doesn't do a good job.

wrong, tin foil shouldn't be used because it absorbs light, do the laser pen test and see for yourself, aluminium and white paint are supposed to be the best 2 for the job if you have to DIY it, otherwise just buy them they're cheap enough, around £5.

 

[DevUK]

wrong, tin foil shouldn't be used because it absorbs light, do the laser pen test and see for yourself, aluminium and white paint are supposed to be the best 2 for the job if you have to DIY it, otherwise just buy them they're cheap enough, around £5.

Ahh, good to know, thanks