mat692 Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 OK can anyone tell me why the 6400k energy saving 18w ''(that puts out as much light as a 100w)'' isnt ideal for a planted tank ie $5 to buy and up to 80% cheaper to run than a household bulb????????????????????? 2 or 3 of these instead of 2 metal halides and instant saving of $45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 I run the energy saving bulbs on my small tanks with no problems. Metal halides are totally different kinds of lights and I thought mainly used by marine keepers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richms Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 Because those cheap crap energy savers will be down a lot in light output within 2 months of 8hr/day use, randomly stop turning on after not much longer and cant cope with being in an enclosed fitting. The ones I used were from bunnings, they are the same as the edapt ones at warehouse. 6400k is rare in energy savers, most being that horrid 3700k which is oranger then a normal incandesent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ira Posted July 10, 2006 Report Share Posted July 10, 2006 I'd love to know how you expect three 18 watt to match even a single metal halide let alone two. Fifty watts versus 300? Those flouros work fine for just lighting a tank. Pretty well, actually, but they don't quite cut it for plants on anything but a shallow tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jo1 Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 We have to use energy savers in our hexagonals and we do get good plant growth in alot of the tanks. The Osram 20w colour 860 is great, lasts for years and penetrates a depth of 1.1m. Tried the usual lighting units from pet suppliers but they did not penetrate this depth. On a glass tank I would use fluros and I know most people just go for a daylight tube at a lighting shop but I much prefer specialised fluros from pet suppliers which do a better job. If you can afford metal halides - go for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat692 Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 the one i got is 6400k and puts out a blue light. its very bright and says its equivalant to 100w it lights up a room better than a normal 100w. Ive got MH fittings (but need bulbs) EXPENSIVE :evil: technically id think these bulbs would be sweet even if to just light the tank running and buying cost would be chap and would have thought thed last for ages???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sharronpaul Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 We have used energy savers to light tanks... The only 6400k lamps I've found is the "Budget" brand at the supermarket. Have run them for a while with no problems. Cheap, easy and idiot-proof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mat692 Posted July 11, 2006 Author Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 yep thats where I got mine from too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PENEJANE Posted July 11, 2006 Report Share Posted July 11, 2006 I get the Budget brand energy saver (14w and 18w) from Pack N Save for about $5.45 each. I have had one on my 22 ltr tank for the past year and its the one that grows plants the best. I know I should of replaced it by now but its only really there to light the tank. All I can say is give it a go. Its not much money lost if it doesn't work as you said they are soo much cheaper. Plus with any plants. Any light will do and just suppliment feed with fertalisers. :bounce: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maran Posted July 16, 2006 Report Share Posted July 16, 2006 Hello all, I am new this place, so I hope to post this reply in the right place. I have used compact flouros and they seem to work great with the tanks I got. I have used a 50 watt one (equivalent to 300w) on my main tank, and the plants have grown into a nice bush now. also have used the budget ones for my hexogan tank with good effect. For the price its worth it. 50 watt one was bought on a specialist light shop in the inroads of Petone for 30 odd dollars. cheers and go for the Compact flouros Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PETEYPLECO Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 I just replaced a whole heap of normal light bulbs around the house with these "tornado" energy savers and I was suprised how bright they were. I once saw a post on this site where somewon had made a tank light out of a piece of plastic guttering using these bulbs. I am thinking of making some kind of fitting / hood to house one or two of these - does anywon have this type of home made / D.I.Y lighting on their tank? Do they get hot? ? ? Let us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caryl Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 It was my pics you saw I think. They do get hot but not enough to melt the plastic guttering. I also line the guttering with aluminium to add reflection. It makes it even brighter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PETEYPLECO Posted July 28, 2006 Report Share Posted July 28, 2006 That right caryl I remember the pics now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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