Question About Wattage On Tank Lights

[Durbkat]

I saw at my doctor's office that in there tank the light was really low on the tank light and there black tetras were swimming around so I was wondering if lps or lfs sold tank lights for my long 20g lower than a 17w so I can actually see my black tetras swim around while the light is on?

 

[Rodders]

A tubes wattage is set by its length, so you cant get a lower watt tube at the same length.

You have to put in a shorter light fixture

 

[Durbkat]

So I'm guessing that would mean that the light would be shorter and wouldn't light the whole tank? Well is there any other way to dim the lights because I'm almost postive that these tetras are hiding because they are scared of the light and there are enough of them and there are plenty of hiding spaces so that wouldn't be the problem.

 

[CFC]

Put floating plants that block some of the light in the tank.

 

[Durbkat]

But wouldn't the filter just blow them around in the tank?

 

[jimbooo]

to an extent yes but the fish will still appreciate it. you can always direct the output downwards slightly.

 

[Durbkat]

But if I put it any lower than what it is some of the fish start breathing faster and they get alittle sluggish.

 

[jimbooo]

sorry i meant direct the flow of water downwards so it doesn't blow the floating plants around as much. not turn the filter down.

 

[Dubby]

Durbkat,

The best way to get your fish to swim around is make them comfortable. Adding lots of hiding places using plants and other decor always helps.

 

[keane]

A tubes wattage is set by its length, so you cant get a lower watt tube at the same length.

You have to put in a shorter light fixture

didn't realise that

why is this, when it's not the case with standard light bulbs? (you can get 40w or 60w bulbs that are the same size)

steve

 

[modernhamlet]

A tubes wattage is set by its length, so you cant get a lower watt tube at the same length.

You have to put in a shorter light fixture

didn't realise that

why is this, when it's not the case with standard light bulbs? (you can get 40w or 60w bulbs that are the same size)

steve

Incandescent and fluorescent lights work on completely different technology:

http/home.howstuffworks.com/question236.htm

 

[keane]

A tubes wattage is set by its length, so you cant get a lower watt tube at the same length.

You have to put in a shorter light fixture

didn't realise that

why is this, when it's not the case with standard light bulbs? (you can get 40w or 60w bulbs that are the same size)

steve

Incandescent and fluorescent lights work on completely different technology:

http/home.howstuffworks.com/question236.htm

a-ha

thank you. my curiosity has been relieved

steve

 

[consp]

Floating plants are a good idea... You might even wanna try some tall broad leaved bed plants (such as some kinds of sword plants) because they will provide a nice bit of shade

 

[Durbkat]

sorry i meant direct the flow of water downwards so it doesn't blow the floating plants around as much. not turn the filter down.

How can I do this?

Dubby I have so many plants in there that if I put any more my pleco wouldn't be able to move around and scavange around the bottom of the tank. He already has a hard time and thats why every week I have to put the plants back into the gravel.

 

[_Cal_]

As for fluorescent lights you can buy a 17 watt lighting for a 30 inch light fixture, 20 long length, as opposed to a 20 watt light, they sell them.