. I've been lurking for a while, reading a topic here and there. I hope South Africans are welcome ^^
My problem is this: I recently bought a 20 US gallon tank for the purpose of growing CPs. That's 3'x1'x1'. I can get double fixtures in 2', 3' and 4' that will has the potential wattage of 20, 30 and 35 respectively. Which works out to--since there will be four bulbs--80w, 120w and 140w. I want to grow Venus Flytraps in the tank and, from my meanderings across the forums, I have learned that I need more light than usual to grow good looking VFTs. Therefore 140w would be my best bet. Is this right?
I have also learned that the fish tank's lid has to go, as it cannot house two fixtures of any length greater than 2'. I decided that 3' at 120w would be enough, unfortunately, it seems the fixtures of that size is not easy to find, which means that I will have to go for 2' (altogether 80w) or 4' (140w).
The tank is 3' long, therefore the 4' fixtures will exceed it's length by 1/2 a foot on each side. -_-
Are two 4 footers my best solution? Bare in mind that I live in South Africa and certain product may not be available here.
Also, the lid, should I build it, will be a basically an upside down wooden box with a glass bottom. This will be balanced on top of the tank. Do you think I should leave it open, or put glass/perspex underneath? Anyone else have a similar design?
Thanks.
My problem is this: I recently bought a 20 US gallon tank for the purpose of growing CPs. That's 3'x1'x1'. I can get double fixtures in 2', 3' and 4' that will has the potential wattage of 20, 30 and 35 respectively. Which works out to--since there will be four bulbs--80w, 120w and 140w. I want to grow Venus Flytraps in the tank and, from my meanderings across the forums, I have learned that I need more light than usual to grow good looking VFTs. Therefore 140w would be my best bet. Is this right?
I have also learned that the fish tank's lid has to go, as it cannot house two fixtures of any length greater than 2'. I decided that 3' at 120w would be enough, unfortunately, it seems the fixtures of that size is not easy to find, which means that I will have to go for 2' (altogether 80w) or 4' (140w).
The tank is 3' long, therefore the 4' fixtures will exceed it's length by 1/2 a foot on each side. -_-
Are two 4 footers my best solution? Bare in mind that I live in South Africa and certain product may not be available here.
Also, the lid, should I build it, will be a basically an upside down wooden box with a glass bottom. This will be balanced on top of the tank. Do you think I should leave it open, or put glass/perspex underneath? Anyone else have a similar design?
Thanks.