thinking about upgrading lights

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robert (robert carter)
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31 Jul 2016 21:06 #1 by robert (robert carter)

thinking about upgrading lights was created by robert (robert carter)

hi ,am thinking about upgrading the lights on my 350 litre tropical tank . This is a planted tank that is 48 inches long and 24 inches deep running CO2. Present lighting is a bit messy , 2x 90cm t8s , 4x90cm t5s and an led light bar ,don't know the output . Am thinking of making the tank a bit more modern looking and going open top . the lighting unit I was looking at is an All Pond Solutions unit that uses 6 x 54 watt t5s 120cm long ,this can be suspended using the kit supplied above the tank . the unit is supplied with either a marine or tropical tube set up . will this be suitable ,too much ,or not enough light .cost of unit is 249 sterling .

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robert (robert carter)
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01 Aug 2016 11:59 #2 by robert (robert carter)

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Sort of surprised i got no help with this , the imput from fellow fishkeeper is worth its weight in gold

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JohnH (John)
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01 Aug 2016 13:16 #3 by JohnH (John)

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robert wrote: Sort of surprised i got no help with this , the imput from fellow fishkeeper is worth its weight in gold

The thing is, Robert, that just maybe no-one is familiar with the All Pond Solutions light unit you mention?

Quite a few people here use (I think) the Arcadia units and could pass comment on those. Perhaps it might help if you posted a link to the one you're thinking of?

Just a thought.

John

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N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.

ITFS member.

It's a long way to Tipperary.

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robert (robert carter)
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01 Aug 2016 13:42 #4 by robert (robert carter)

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hi John ,only got the hang of posting pictures wouldnt have a clue about posting links, anyway took the plunge and brought the 4 tube 120cm unit with 54 watt bulbs , the supplier reckoned the 6 tube unit is really for marine tank and could give me algae problems .

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JohnH (John)
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01 Aug 2016 14:18 #5 by JohnH (John)

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robert wrote: hi John ,only got the hang of posting pictures wouldnt have a clue about posting links, anyway took the plunge and brought the 4 tube 120cm unit with 54 watt bulbs , the supplier reckoned the 6 tube unit is really for marine tank and could give me algae problems .

Robert - posting links really is simple, basically you select what's in the address bar (of you browser), right-click and copy it - then paste it in your post...
Here's the one for this thread, for example:
www.irishfishkeepers.com/forum/25-filter...reply/190940?quote=1

John

Location:
N. Tipp

We're just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl - year after year.

ITFS member.

It's a long way to Tipperary.

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alan 64 (alan)
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01 Aug 2016 14:37 #6 by alan 64 (alan)

Replied by alan 64 (alan) on topic thinking about upgrading lights

I find the all pond solution stuff very good so it will do a good job, the unit u had on the tank there was no way of hanging that was there robert

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robert (robert carter)
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01 Aug 2016 18:09 #7 by robert (robert carter)

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Hi Alan , their are 3 different light unit on the tropical so i want to replace it with one decent unit ,so i think the one i have brought will do the trick , will post pictures when it is set up

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Sukahn (Shane Doorley)
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02 Aug 2016 01:34 #8 by Sukahn (Shane Doorley)

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Hey robert, sorry i never seen this.

I have a Blau 54w 6 bulb unit 120cm on my 5ft marine tank and that does well.

I think you made the right decision on just getting the 4 bulb unit as i only use my 6bulbs on my marine for 3 hours of the day with no algae issues so it would have caused you some issues in a planted tank.

You can buy a hanging kit for them in an electrical wholesalers rather than buying one made for the light.

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robert (robert carter)
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02 Aug 2016 07:38 #9 by robert (robert carter)

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Thanks for your reply , it was trying to weigh it up between enough light for plant growth but not too much to get algrae . The unit comes with a hanging kit . The 4 tube cost 179 euro including the hanging kit and delivery with 2 years warrenty , so not too bad price wise .

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Sukahn (Shane Doorley)
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02 Aug 2016 08:41 #10 by Sukahn (Shane Doorley)

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That was a good price for it.

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robert (robert carter)
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02 Aug 2016 14:58 #11 by robert (robert carter)

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Will post pictures when set up

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robert (robert carter)
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02 Aug 2016 19:37 #12 by robert (robert carter)

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Hi , was doing my weekly maintance and relised that to install the new lights i will need to remove the rails that the old lights sit on . They seems extremly well attacted to to side glass panels of the tank . Has anyone are experience of removing anything like this without damaging or breaking the glass , cant even see what they are stuck with . Help please

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Sukahn (Shane Doorley)
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02 Aug 2016 19:39 #13 by Sukahn (Shane Doorley)

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Can you get a picture of the rails up.

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alan 64 (alan)
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02 Aug 2016 19:48 #14 by alan 64 (alan)

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What do u mean by rails

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robert (robert carter)
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02 Aug 2016 19:50 - 02 Aug 2016 19:53 #15 by robert (robert carter)

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these are the rails. as you can see the old light units t8s were supported on these

Last edit: 02 Aug 2016 19:53 by robert (robert carter). Reason: added sentance

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alan 64 (alan)
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02 Aug 2016 22:07 #16 by alan 64 (alan)

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Are they riveted on or bonded

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robert (robert carter)
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02 Aug 2016 22:14 #17 by robert (robert carter)

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No sign of any fixing so reckon they are bonded on ,but dont know with what . Have seen here on the forum lads that have removed fixed filters in jewel aquarium wonder is that a similar type of fixing . Was just going to try a sharp stanley blade .

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Sukahn (Shane Doorley)
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dwarf gourami

02 Aug 2016 23:03 #18 by Sukahn (Shane Doorley)

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From what I can tell it's a glue or silicone bond. Heating it, blade or even vinegar should get it off.

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robert (robert carter)
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03 Aug 2016 07:05 #19 by robert (robert carter)

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Tank will be full so think i will try the stanley blade route . Whats the stoty with vinegar will it disolve glues

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robert (robert carter)
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03 Aug 2016 13:39 #20 by robert (robert carter)

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Spoke to Bart and he came over said he can remove them ok during the week . One great guy

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robert (robert carter)
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05 Aug 2016 09:31 - 05 Aug 2016 09:33 #21 by robert (robert carter)

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Got the rails off this morning with as Bart sudjested a thin single sided razor blade , took about 15 mins , now all i have to do is fish out the two blades i droped in the tank and bandage the two cuts in my finger . Just one of the hazards of fishkeeping. Now waiting on the new lights hoping it would be today but reckon more like monday/Tuesday

Last edit: 05 Aug 2016 09:33 by robert (robert carter). Reason: added sentance

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