tips please.

Rainfrog · #1 (**permalink**) 08-24-2007, 04:45 AM

I am building a 55 gallon Vivarium out of a standard 55g tempered glass tank and have a few questions. I am very confident in my ability to care for the animals once I get them but I am worried about some construction points.

1. I would prefer not to buy new light fixtures. the ones I have came with the fish tank kit. They are Eclipse Artificial Daylight lights. that is all it says on them I cant even find the wattage. I dont think they will work well for growing plants but dont know what type of light I should look for. Does any one have some advise on what type of florecent tube I can buy that will be good for plants?

Also I want to make sure I have good air circulation. I want to mount a PC fan to one side of the tank. the fan would be on the top and I was wondering if I should put it blowing into the tank or sucking air into the tank or should I have one blowing in AND one blowing out? or should I just skip it? if I were making a smaller viv I would just leave it at some screen but this is a good sized project and I want it right the first time.

twodogs · #2 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 07:39 AM

Hi
The artificial daylight may be the same light for the plants. I had a fish tank light that i changed over to a sunlight/uvb type for plants, when i got it home and looked at both, i found they were exactly the same bulb.
If the bulb you have fir this light fixture is not right you can change it. If your unsure of the wattage may be you could take your light fixture into an electrians shop and they could check for you and also supply you with the UV light to suit your needs.
They are 65% cheaper in lights for vivariums and terrariums than pet suppliers.

twodogs · #3 (**permalink**) 08-27-2007, 07:52 AM

With your vent, mabey if you have 1 vent up on the left side high on your tank and 1 vent low on the right side, this will do way with the need of fans.
I have a frog tank that measures 39.5in X 31.5in X 19.5in, and the vents i have are the same. The air circulates pretty well and there is no problems with excess draught. I started out with 4 vents buti have now covered 2 up with silicon, and am only using 2 opposite (1 up left and 1 down right side.)
Hope this helps.

Rainfrog · #4 (**permalink**) 08-28-2007, 03:46 AM

My tank is all tempered glass. I got some good advise recently I think Ive got it figured.