Lighting Issue cant seem to locate what I need

Curt

I have a 20g tank 24" long the hood that came with my tank had a t8 fl bulb 18".

I purchased some glofish and decided to get a T8 Actinic Bulb. This is neat to watch the glofish with but not something I want to run in lieu of the regular bulb.

I have spent countless hours browsing the net for a dual bulb setup. That way I could have both bulbs in at the same time and control what one I want to run and when. For example running the Actinic at night. Without manually having to change out the bulbs.

I have found countless dual bulb setups for t5 size. However there seems to be no one that will sell a light fixture for dual bulb and 18 inch t8's

I think I have searched the whole internet looking for this. I was wondering if anyone else had the same issue or knows where I can find the right fixture?


Thanks,

Curt

jrmy000

I suggest buying a dual t5 fixture, They are brighter and more effective than t8's .

Curt

I was trying to avoid buying new bulbs again as far as a t5 I wonder if it would fit properly over my current hood just because they are bigger. Since the Actinic bulb is sooooo expensive.

Byron

Most dual-tube fixtures require that both tubes be in and on; removing one will cause the other to not light. And they are not individually switched. At least I have never seen one that was, though it may be out there somewhere.

A caution on increasing light: algae will take advantage. Plants are not mentioned, so will only say that without plants, any light will feed algae, and the more light the faster. A T5 light is more intense, so this is further adding to the problem should you decide to go that way.

Third comment on night light; you may mean evenings, but just in case (since I can't read your thoughts from your words posted) fish must have total darkness for around 10 hours. Otherwise they will be stressed, and that weakens their immune system (just like in us).

Byron.

jrmy000

My light fixture has a switch for each bulb lol

Curt

As of right now I am swapping out by hand the bulb i want to use but I have seen the 2 switch models but only for t5 bulbs and they are usually longer so would not fit on my 20g