Tentacles

Thanks for your quick response. That was my first thought. I've got another 50W helping it out at the mo in the form of 2 other odd-sized lights (from the side I see, pale teal, pink and yellow... I think I'm covering the spectrum).

"B"

hi
i hope i don't ask a old question but how does this relate to using energy saving bulbs
http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/var...l.asp?var=3296
or even better this smaller one
http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/var...l.asp?var=3526

i'm planning on growing plants in lower shady light in my channa set-ups
it all is supposed to be very economical
i could use plastic plant and use cheaper energy savers that cost a lot less but real plants help with waterquality and also looks so much nicer

to give you an idea of my set-ups
its all in a rack
reflectors could be added. custom made of course

ruki

Compact Fluorescent are an energy efficient replacement for the traditional round, screw-in incandescent light bulb. When comparing lumens per watt, the light output is 3 to 4 times greater than incandescent light. The tube is spiraled to make it longer, since a tube is not very bright at the ends. Also, it's to replace a round bulb, so it has to keep that basic shape.
These also work OK in the old-style incandescent bulb aquarium hoods since the original incandescent bulbs may produce too much heat and not enough light to grow plants well. These also produce more blues that help plants grow as compared to an incandescent bulb.

Newt

BTW, incandecent bulbs are so inefficient they are being phased out and soon will no longer be available. The screw-in, spiral CFs will take their place.

defdac

Here is a calculator where you can add spectral distributions and get the PUR-efficiency and also calculate the lux/PAR/PUR on the bottom of an aquarium:
http://82.183.138.227/GTKTest/GTKTest.html

Koi-fantast

Hi mate! Didn't you have a problem with the formula in that program?`Cheers

defdac

It's the same calculations as in the Ivo Busko article over at the aquabotanic-site, are they wrong?

Muirner

I have a question, i currently run 4 T8 flurescent tubes in my hood and the bulbs are Philips Daytime Deluxe. These bulbs are nice but they seem to put off a yellowish light, or at least the tank is looking that way. When i recently switched from incandecent bulbs in my 10G hood to spiral CF bulbs i found i liked the lights better. They gave off a brighter light making the white rocks look nicer and the overall apearnance of my 10g look better. So my question is. Do i add some 100watt clip on CF lights to the side of my tank or should i get some more linear flourecent tubes to replace the philips daytime deluxe ones? I have at my avaiability (at a local store) 10k, 18k, and 20k. I'm leaning to trying a 10k or 2, but i'm looking for opinion. I'm unsure of the brand but they peak in the blue, red, and green spectrum. By the way the tank the T8's are on is a 55g.

Newt

Above is the spectral output for the Philips Daylight Deluxe 6500K bulb. It is 84CRI; which is not bad at all.
I used to use these along with Sylvania GroLux Std bulbs. I felt they were too green; but these were the T12 version. I dont think there is any appreciable difference. You may want to try using them with a different color spectrum and/or higher CRI bulb.

Let us know how you make out.

joyban

Hi Newt

Could you please post the original link to that SPD graph please..

Regards

Sujoy