Lighting Diy Emergency !

[Malfie]

Please could someone reply as soon as possible as I need reassurance.

The 15W light which came with my TetraTec Aqua Art 60ltr tank was not enough for my lush planting so I bought a 36W Interpet light Starter Kit and as you can see with only minor modifications I have placed the new tube in the case of the existing one.

I'm just a little worried in case I have done the wrong thing.You can see a little square patch at the left hand side of the tube which is a hole that goes through to the hood and there is another the other side .
have I got enough ventilation (or isn't any needed)?

Any help would be great.

I think I will have the light on for 5 hours then of for 2 then on again for another 5 hours as I have read that this can help with algae outbreaks.

Thank you.
M

 

[Neal]

Personally if it was me, i'd cut a hole out the back of your hood. The past few days i've been reading bad things about interpret lighting, with it overheating and melting things. I would do it just to be on the safe side, that's if it doesn't look an eyesore though.

Neal

 

[Malfie]

Thank you Neal.
I haven't really the tools for that job.
Just felt the top of the hood and it is getting rather warm !!
Think I have messed up, haven't I ?
What about taking off the clear cover, using tin foil behind the tube (which i think would stop it overheating)?
Would condensation blow the bulb when I switch it on in the morning ?
I realise we are not lighting engineers, but I would appreciate any feedback.

Thanks Mark

 

[Neal]

Using tin foil will probably make matters worse, your best off painting the inside of your hood black, as it will let the heat through the hood quicker. All you'd need to cut the hole, was a hacksaw or something. The way I cut out my hole for my HOB filter to go on, was by putting a screwdriver onto the gas cooker, and when it was really hot, burn through the hood. I don't have any condensation trays on my tanks, IMO, they just get in the way, and i've never had problems with my bulbs. But my bulbs are Arcadia, and they have waterproof caps on the end, so i'd check first.

Neal

 

[SkiFletch]

Remember, by switching bulbs you doubled your wattage and doubled your heat . I'd cut a hole and if possible install a small PC fan. I have no idea how much room you have in your hood, but when you start getting int the higher wattage power compact tubes, they make some good quality heat

 

[Malfie]

Thanks all.

Left my light on for about 4 hours today under supervision and it didn't seem to get any hotter as time went by.
Eventhough I'm going to make some holes right through the back of the light through to the other side of the hood.
Borrowed a drill and there are some large drill bits that are over 1cm in diameter, so shall use those.

Things will then be fine ? I hope.

Regards and stuff, Malfie

p.s just tested my water:
Ammonia 0
Nitrate 20 ppm
Nitrite 0.25 ppm !!!
Yey. I can soon get my first fish. Ever !

Nitrite turns to Nitrate then used up by plants ,right ? does this mean that if I do 15% water changes each day I can put a couple of fish in by the weekend ? Hope so; think I will start by getting a couple of platties and call the m Barbra and Tony !

 

[Dave Spencer]

Malfie,

I currently use two Interpet 54W T5 tubes under my hood without any overheating issues. The problems from previous threads regarding this lighting were to do with the rubber end caps melting and becoming brittle within a week of use.

My fittings are fine with no overheating, no extra ventilation or hacking holes in the tank lid. Where I believe the major problem could come from is if you have the rubber end cap directly under the reflector. Only the lamp part of my set up is under the reflector.

I had quite a start when I read the threads about overheating as my set up has only been running for two weeks, but I now have peace of mind. Use whatever method gives you peace of mind and also have a read of the threads on this subject.