Another 4foot upgrade

I took two tubes out to take pictures, and for some reason if I remove a tube the lights will not come on, all tubes must be present before it works, any idea. The back of the hood is open, in the picture yuo can see the back wall. I have a lot of aeration in the tank. TetraTec1200, a massive Cascade HOB as well as an interal Cascade. I've left the lights off today so will see if the temps are the same or not, somehow I get the feeling that the heatsource could be the tetratec, but I can only say this when I get home.

Why did you change from the T8's?

 

Firstly, the lighting not coming on when all tubes aren't in is to do with the way they are wired. It looks like a factory unit? Either way, how many ballasts are there? I have 2 x dual ballasts and I think if I disconnect one tube the other will not work as the 2 tubes are wired together. I think if lighting is causing your heat issue then you will have to look at installing cooling fans which switch on and off at the same time as your lights.

I changed from T8's to T5's because they are more efficient,last longer than T8's and I can get more light in less tubes. I am running 108w in 2 tubes as apposed to 3 T8's with 65w. T8's are supposedly no longer effective after 6 months?

 

I will have to fiddle around this weekend with ventilation, seriously considering an open hodd with either hanging or mounted lighting. What is your take on 2-3watts per gallon, if that is the case I would need 270W in my 340L (90gal)

 

I can only advise you as I was advised. I was told to avoid the 4 tubes unless I go with CO2 or I will land up with a lot of algae. I have already got spikes/increases in my algae in the short time I've been running the T5's.

I think you need to check the K rating on your tubes.

 

Also, a thought but maybe try putting the 2 tubes that are right next to each other in and remove the 2 on the other side of the central divider. Your lights may be wired in such a way that that works?

 

The temps was 25C when I got home, switched the lights on and just now switched them so I can take @MarcHawke 's advise of removing one "bank". Temps are now 26C after 3hours lights on. Added some bigger sandstone for some of the bigger occupants

NEW STONE


Can someone please confirm if these are male/female Congo's
C1


C2

 

Hey Dude. Glad to hear the lighting tip worked. Did you check what the K was on your tubes?

 

It's not listed on the tube itself, I tried to go to the manufacterer website but it is a mess, considering LED solution.

 

Can you remember if they were dymax aqua, tropical or marine? I think/suspect you might have 4x 10000k tubes in your setup which would be seriously bright and pretty darn warm!

 

DyMax Tropical. Any idea what the (k) ratings are.

 

So I got new plant from the LPS today as well as a new juwi Congo Tetra. Any idea what this is and how to care for it would be appreciated.

 

Looks like Java Moss. Just tie it to infrastructure like you have, and let it grow.

 

That's Java moss,the way you tied it to the rock is correct.Try and keep it in a place where it will get some flow,to keep it free of dirt.
It grows easy,doesn't need much light or fertiliser.
When you trim it,switch off your filter and collect all the cuttings unless you want the whole tank "invested".

 

Thxs @Razer2007 & @Rudi, hopefully with the addition of my CO2 (2-3bps) it should grow, hopefully I will also be able to give some away in the near future. Now I just need to sort the lighting.

pic of juwi Congo.

 

Hi @squatty - Yup. Your tubes are 10000k ush:. I found them here:
http://www.vippets.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=128

 

Any idea what this stuff is, looks like underwater spiderweb stuck on the ludwigia [spelling]

 

I'm running out of ideas for new tank mates, been reading on Cories(Cory) and it seems that they can be a good addition to the tank, which Corry(Cory) would fit with my current stock
3*Congo->Future 10
11*Neon->Future 20
7*Black Neon->Future 20
1*Skunk Loach->1 of these little terrors is enough thxs
1*Hillstream->Not enough algae yet to grow numbers

 

Sterbai corrys are alwys great. If you want something smaller pigmy corrys or pandas

 

So I was able to catch the Skunk Loach and it is up for adoption here, had to remove all the rocks and plants to catch this bugger. Went to the LFS and they only had Julii Corydoras, beautiful little fish but not sure if the Zeolite I have in some section as substrate would hurt/damage their thingy....lol..for the love of me can't remember what they call it.

Question now is should I wait/search for another Corydoras or would the 6 X Leopard Catfish (Julii) be a good addition to the tank

 

Juli are nice also