Drew 43920

Where can I get a 80 watt hood for a 55 gallon tank ?
Drew

soldieroffortune1974

What type of hood do you have now.You may be able to get a different bulb(s) to increase the wattage.

cerianthus

If use Glass canopy rather than complete hood, should be able to find 48" double blbs strip (40Watt each). AGA makes them. I have 120W, triple blbs, which was used on 75 g Tank. I believe ballast have to be changed to accomodate higher wattage.

Drew 43920

My current hood is broken. I need to replace it.

Drew 43920

Do they have cut-outs for filters and such ?

J J Indy

I am not being rude but why do you need an 80 watt light?

Drew 43920

That's a good question. I figured 55 gallons times 1.5 watt/gallon equals 77.5 Watts.

Sophism

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...=21889&catid=3

Would that work?

Drew 43920

That looks a little hot for me. 2 times 65 watts equal 130 watts divided by 55 gallon equals about 2.5 watts per gallon. Also, would a need another piece to cover the top and can I hang a filter on the tank with that light st-up ?

J J Indy

I know alot of places say watts per gallon but whats also important is the color which is listed in measurements with a K after it and the spectrum of light is as important as wattage. I recently replaced my original bulbs with the same wattage 20 watts that was in the hood but 6500k instead of what came in it which was about 5000k and my plants have been doing fantastic but i have less than 1 watt per gallon and it looks great as well and i didnt have to spend a fortune on a new hood.

Drew 43920

The hood that Dr. F S sells comes with a 9325ºK bulb.
Why would they use that size ?
Drew

mathas

Probably because the GE9325K bulb is quite good for plant growth, and is a bargain at less than $15 per bulb. Many other CF bulbs of that size retail for $20-30 per bulb online, more in most brick-and-mortar stores.

Drew 43920

Thank you
Drew

soldieroffortune1974

I always recommend the Sylvania GroLux T-12 Bulbs (the T-rating depends on the fixture type) 2-40 watt bulbs would work well for your application. GroLux bulbs are specifically designed for growing plants,and have a remarkable aesthetic appeal.(looks good)

Just my opinion**** The K (kelvin) rating for the temperature of various colors in the light spectrum,is a worthless way to determine bulb potential for plants. Unless we are talking about UV lighting. Then the K rating has some merits,but for regular lights for growing plants,it isn't a necessary consideration. (most people can't even tell you what the K rating is for and how it pertains to plants,water,etc etc.)