Is there a bulb??

[warren63]

Ok so the shrimp bug is biting and im now looking at converting one of my skink tanks into a shrimp haven. Since ive got a few reptile light holders which take a standard screw in light bulb im wondering if there is a bulb available that would suit the shrimp needs so i can use the light fitting. Appreciate your assistance.

[Squiggle]

There isn't any specific shrimp bulb but BB has done an experiment with different kelvin values of lighting & shrimp colour & he found that the higher the kelvin temp of the light the better the colour. That being said, if you can get 10000k bulbs to fit your fittings then that would work a treat :encouragement:

[warren63]

Thanks. Yes the mission is to find a light with high k best so far has been only 3000k. I'll keep searching

[Wraithie]

'cool white' or 'cool daylight' is around 6.5K

http://www.bunnings.com.au/globe-spiral-cfl-philips-24w-bc-t2-cool-day-tornado_p4320505?page=4&filter=categoryname--CFL+Lights%3Bavailability--inStore

[jayc]

You can try doing a search for LED light bulbs on google.

Do a search for this "12W AquaSpot 12K/W ES".

See if that fits your needs.

Does the light fitting take PAR38 globes?

If it does you have a wealth of options on ebay.

[warren63]

thanks for the info. i think it takes PAR 38 bulbs, it is a dome light fitting so im assuming yes.

[jayc]

Well, if it can take a PAR38 bulb, then a quick search on ebay might be your best source depending on your budget.

I'll assume you have done your home work on whether one PAR38 bulb is sufficient lighting for your tank size.

There is one on ebay that I looked at but never bought, cause I changed my plans.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PAR38-12x3W-DIMMABLE-AQUARIUM-LED-LIGHT-FOR-FRESH-WATER-AND-MARINE-AQUARIUM/190868294995?rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D163%26meid%3D1643388774335754481%26pid%3D100005%26prg%3D1088%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D190898081000%26

Choice of White/red lights or White/Blue.

White/Blue is more for marine. White/Red is more for freshwater and plants.

It's dimmable, can be bought with a gooseneck fitting for a double bulb, if more light is needed.

36Watts of LED light is plenty for a small tank. But might not illuminate a long tank, since PAR38 bulbs have a narrow field of illumination. It's pretty much 90deg only so you need to determine if that suits your needs. You can adjust it higher or lower to fiddle with the width of illumination.

Each bulb is $69. Goose neck holder priced separately. Free shipping.

[jayc]

im now looking at converting one of my skink tanks into a shrimp haven.

Oh, one more tip.

You might already now this.

Turning a reptile tank into a shrimp or fish tank needs extra precautions.

Make sure the glass is sufficiently thick for the weight and pressure of a tank filled with water. What size is the tank?

Check the silicon seals, are intact and not leaking. They don't make reptile tanks as sturdy since it doesn't need to be filled with water. But always good to check the thickness of the glass.

Of particular importance is to sterilise the tank and anything being used really, really well.

Reptile faeces is particularly nasty with the wrong kinds of bacteria that will decimate a tank of fish or shrimp.

I would use bleach to sterilise the tank. Inside and outside, top and bottom. Get bleach into all corners paying particular attention to the areas at the silicon joints. Slosh bleach around inside the tank for a few minutes, use a brush to get into the corners, and top.

Rinse, and rinse well, and leave it in the sun for a couple of days for the bleach to break down. Then rinse again.

You might want to take the time now to fill the tank to check for leaks.

Take all precautions to protect yourself when handling bleach as well. Gloves, eye protection, gas mask.

Oh, another tip free of charge - don't pour the bleach onto your lawn ;) My grass thanked me by turning brown and dying off.

[warren63]

Thanks jayc. Yes the tanks were originally purchased as fish tanks so I just need to confirm there water tight. Got 3 empty tanks at the moment. The ones im looking at are a standard 60cm tank and the other is a 50cm long x 30cm w x 30cm h. Yes getting the gloves on for a major scrub.