[xmoltisantix]

are 2x24 watt t-5 bulbs enough for softies or will i notice a difference if i add 2 more? an also my fixture manual says its not made for open top tanks..if i use the clamps couldn't i just take out the glass top to my tank and be ok?

 

[Loverotties]

What size tank?

 

[crvz]

I always recommend removing the glass from a reef tank... too much light can be lost trying to transmit through through it. Regarding the amount of light, 2 bulbs with individual reflectors is probably fine to start off with softies, but more would be better. If you do not have individual bulb reflectors, I'd say a mere 2 bulbs is likely inadequate.

 

[xmoltisantix]

its a 26 gallon tank..the manual says not to use fixture for open top tanks...so u guys think it shouldn't matter if i remove the top glass?

 

[OneDummHikk]

If it says no open top tanks then it probably isn't sealed and they tell you not to run it on an open top so that humidity doesnt get in the light fixture.

 

[xmoltisantix]

so i would need a new fixture?

 

[OneDummHikk]

More light, yes. You could possibly still use the fixture you have now, just add a second one to it.

 

[xmoltisantix]

right i planned on that..the new fixture i was asking about was wether i needed a new one that is open top safe or u think i could get away with just clamping the non open top safe fixture?

 

[colby339110]

what Brand??and i just bought some GLO lights by Hagen same specs. and im growing softies and stonies in a 10 gallonwith no topon mine eitherhope this helps

 

[xmoltisantix]

brand is current nova extremes...did ur manual say u couldn't use ur fixture on an open top tank?

 

[jenglish]

Back in the day I kept mushrooms under a single 55 watt PC on a 29 gallon and they reproduced. Some softies can be kept under very low light.

 

[xmoltisantix]

yea but im curious if i could get away with a open top even tho manual say u shouldn't use fixture with open top tank even tho it came with clamps

 

[jenglish]

I think most fixtures say not to use w/o a top. I think its more of a liability issue than anything else. Does it have an acrylic UV cover? If not does it have rubber boots over the connectors?

 

[OneDummHikk]

If the mfr says dont do it, then dont do it unless you are prepared to accept any consequences of it.

 

[xmoltisantix]

yes it has an acrylic splash lens and could i buy just a fixture that doesnt come with bulbs that fit my 24w bulbs?

 

[xmoltisantix]

a fixture that is open top safe

 

[chatterboxbaby82]

the lights that say that if u do it anyways my thoughts are if something goes wrong with moisture they will tell u your warrenty is void due to no tops on the tank. I know alot of people run there tanks with no tops weather the lights said it was okay or not. Also my 26 has t5 14w *1 10k and 1 03 blue* single reflector and ive kept candy cane, start polyps and mushrooms the mushrooms are reproduceing but the others i have to keep up high. if i d had known better i wouldnt have gotten those. Its more what do u wanna keep in the tank, do u want to just keep it alive or reproduce.

 

[xmoltisantix]

ill ask lfs i got them at what they think...i am for either keeping them alive or reproducing..my hairy shrooms have nearly doubled in a month and half so my lighting cant be to bad..i just like look of open top tank

 

[OneDummHikk]

Run it open top for a week, see how much moisture, if any, condenses on the fixture. If you have condensation issues, you know to run it with a top. If you don't, then you can leave it open top. Is there a slot in the light fixture that runs the length that looks like you might be able to put a lens/cover on the fixture itself instead of over the tank?

 

[xmoltisantix]

it has an acrylic splash lens that runs the length directly under bulbs