SamH Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 I'm currently running two 30w tubes over my 3ft aquarium, the plants used to grow sweet as. I let the bulbs die out and then replaced them but the plants (even new ones I put in) aren't doing well. I'm getting really sick of it. Should I just sell it and get three or four CFL's wired to one plug? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted August 27, 2009 Report Share Posted August 27, 2009 Yep, you can. Works fine. Wire up 3-4 fluoros like this one and you'll have heaps of light. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simian Posted August 31, 2009 Report Share Posted August 31, 2009 The main disadvantage of using CFL's is the life expectancy you are looking at about 8000 hours for your average CFL at end of life you will be down to 70% of your initial lumen output, hence relamp at about 5000 hours or every 1.5 years depending on photo period. Fluorescents (good ones) on electronic start gear will live to approx 15000 hours, lumen depreciation is slightly better hence I'd relamp after 2.5-3 years. Depends on if that shortened life concerns you or not HTH Owen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 The main disadvantage of using CFL's is the life expectancy you are looking at about 8000 hours for your average CFL at end of life you will be down to 70% of your initial lumen output, hence relamp at about 5000 hours or every 1.5 years depending on photo period. Fluorescents (good ones) on electronic start gear will live to approx 15000 hours, lumen depreciation is slightly better hence I'd relamp after 2.5-3 years. Depends on if that shortened life concerns you or not HTH Owen Given the relatively low cost of the replacements, and their fraction of the total running cost of the tank, I don't think it's really an issue to worry about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxim_nz Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Yep, you can. Works fine. Wire up 3-4 fluoros like this one and you'll have heaps of light. :lol: ok, does anyone recommend any CFL bulbs for a planted tank (you try finding someone who stocks "grow type" CFL bulbs in NZ.. not easy to come by) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 I'm running a regular 23w 6300k? cool daylight bulb over my HG tank and it's going sweet. Plant growth bulbs aren't always needed, normal bulbs can work too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 ok, does anyone recommend any CFL bulbs for a planted tank (you try finding someone who stocks "grow type" CFL bulbs in NZ.. not easy to come by) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 *Drool* over the above. I can just imagine a nano planted so bright you need to wear sunnys just to glance at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 I might just replace both the tubes in my current setup even though the bulbs are quite new. Do these look any good? http://sog.open24x7.biz/catalog/product ... 303df99df3 http://sog.open24x7.biz/catalog/product ... 303df99df3 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 I have a 3ft tank (90x30x30) with three 10cm braces, two at each end and one in the middle. Safe to remove these? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted September 2, 2009 Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 I might just replace both the tubes in my current setup even though the bulbs are quite new. Do these look any good? http://sog.open24x7.biz/catalog/product ... 303df99df3 http://sog.open24x7.biz/catalog/product ... 303df99df3 Thanks Yeah, those should be fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 2, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 2, 2009 Hope so, I can't find any cheap places to buy. Might have to ring and ask before I go in, but I do love their shop. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SamH Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 I'm going to redo my tank again. Don't know what I'm going to do with the fish. I'm not selling my proven pair of BN's and their bubba can go in my fighter's tank. Anyone want to buy two young Kribs and one (maybe two) platies? And a narrow leafed sword plant? If the lights I buy work and I can get my hands on some Ambulia, Sag and Val, this is what the tank will look like. Val at back left, Ambulia back centre, Polysperma at back right and sag at the front. Hoping to make a crazy jungle tank as I'm sick of having algae and no living plants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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