24" fluorescent lighting

[beginnermatt]

I have 3 small clownfish and don't plan to keep anymore fish. However, I need to add some light to my tank. All I have is 24" 20 watt bulb. I plan on constructing a new hood so I can keep some inverts. I have been looking in magazine for more lighting and ballast kits but, for 24" 20 watts seems to be the only available bulbs. For a 33 gallon tank I would need 6 bulbs. Do bulbs come in high wattage at the 24" length. Thanks for shedding some LIGHT on the subject.
[ December 22, 2001: Message edited by: beginnerMatt ]

 

[03]

why would you need more light to keep 1 clown?

 

[kelly]

beginnerMatt,
If you are planning on staying with regular flourescent lighting, you can try using either and icecap 660 ballast to enhance the output of your lights. The price is around $169 - $189. This is an electronic ballast and works quite well. Predator has one. You could also try using a Triton bulb, they have a good color spectrum, and would work will on your tank.
There are also "PC" power compact retrofit kits which would add alot of light to your tank. For most inverts, you do not need special lighting... If you plan on keeping corals, then good lighting is really important.
Kelly

 

[[pj]]

merry x-mas
[ December 24, 2001: Message edited by: [PJ] ]
[ December 25, 2001: Message edited by: [PJ] ]

 

[justinl]

I have a VHO 24" retrofit kit w/ballast that I purchased from -(you'll have to email me)- that I am very happy with. The 24" bulbs are 75 Watts each and should be just what you're looking for to support anemones for your clowns.
By the way you don't need 6 bulbs for a 30 gallon tank. That's just overkill and might do more harm than good- especially with the amount of heat given off. 3 should be fine.
justin@infernowebdesign.com
[ December 25, 2001: Message edited by: JustinL ]