Another lighting question

[Steve-O]

Im using 2 10 watt mini compact 50/50 fluoresent bulbs. These are screw in medium base type bulbs. Would there be any issues with going with 20 watt bulbs of the same style? Would it be too much light by doubleing it?

This is a 10 gal with currently 20 watts of light. Im looking to bump it to 40 watts. I would like to have some softies in there some day and want to be sure I have enough light.

Thanks for the help.

[Steve-O]

Reading some more info on the box that the 10watt bulbs came in. It says that 10watt Mini Compact = 50watt Incandesent.

[RobinsonFam1]

no problem...esp if you dont have any corals to acclimate right now.
20's are hotter so you may need to think of some cooling ideas like fans.
these style of PC usually dont last much over 6 months i have found before they need to be replaced. put the used ones on ashelf to test DIY projects or for refugium use. this will help you save a little bit of money in the future.

[Steve-O]

Thanks for the tip on keeping the old ones. I use a fan now to keep things cool, but may have to upgrade that too.

[gitsumpottery]

As long as you are paying attention to the heat issues caused by the lights you should be fine. I have a 70w DE halide over my 7 gallon minibow and have no issues whatsoever. I have a auto-topoff to keep the salinity in check, but still only evaporate about 3 gallons every 2 weeks.


Zac

[RobinsonFam1]

no prob!