CFL Lighting questions..

[jnizzle]

So I have been stressing about lighting for a few weeks now and i think I found a solution if i could get an expert opinion or two.. So i want to do 2 screw-in cfl bulbs in my hood. My question is WHICH BULBS would be most ideal for supporting plant growth but keeping it low tech?

Tank is 18g tall, same dimensions on top as reg. 10g.

Plants as of now:

Amazon Sword
Hornwort
Rotala
Anacharis

Here is most current pic of tank:

 

[OasisKeeper]

I am no expert by any means, but I will tell you what I have experienced.

Last time I went looking for CFL bulbs, the color temperature information was somewhere between scarce and none. The bulbs I did find that were of use were generally called 'Daylight' and had color temperatures around 6k or so.

I think that may be about the best you can hope for. I never have seen an actual spectrum chart from a CFL, so it is hard really compare them for plant growth.

Maybe someone else has better info or a better source.

Good luck

 

[BillD]

I haven't seen a color spectrum for CFLs either, but, I know more than a few that are successfully growing plants under CFLs in the 5000K to 6500K range, both of which are readily available at places like Home Depot. A lot of people swear by the 23 Watt CFLs (100W equivalent) but their larger diameter will preclude them from use in most hoods. Try the 13 Watt models (60 watt equivalent), ( I like the Philips) . I prefer the look of the 5000K to the 6500K, but both will work.

 

[jnizzle]

I haven't seen a color spectrum for CFLs either, but, I know more than a few that are successfully growing plants under CFLs in the 5000K to 6500K range, both of which are readily available at places like Home Depot. A lot of people swear by the 23 Watt CFLs (100W equivalent) but their larger diameter will preclude them from use in most hoods. Try the 13 Watt models (60 watt equivalent), ( I like the Philips) . I prefer the look of the 5000K to the 6500K, but both will work.

Awesome thanks! I might go three 13 watt bulbs, two 5000 and one 6500

 

[jnizzle]

Another question, this might sound stupid but do they require a ballast? I found some porcelain fixture sockets but I'm not sure if they need a ballast in addition to that. Thanks for any input!

 

[mfdrookie516]

Yes, they do require a ballast... but that's made in to the bulb They'll screw in any regular light socket.

 

[jnizzle]

Ok got it all done today and let me say i am soooo happy with it!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Bulbs Used:

Wrapped Inside in foil and glued down:

Used Bolt With Washers to Secure to Fixture:

Lights Off and on:

Please let me know what you think!! I am very pleased with it.

I will update in a few weeks to report plant growth (hopefully) lol

 

[mfdrookie516]

Looks like a good design. I would suggest putting some vents in there though... they'll get pretty hot in that enclosed area.

 

[jnizzle]

Looks like a good design. I would suggest putting some vents in there though... they'll get pretty hot in that enclosed area.

Yes, good idea! i can put a little fan or just some slot vents on the back or top in the middle.

 

[mfdrookie516]

If you can mount a computer fan on it, that would be great. but, just some vent holes would probably suffice. The only thing you'll need to figure out is how to do so without having little spot lights on the wall or ceiling. maybe that's something you could do in the middle of the fixture with something to reflect the light away from it.

 

[OasisKeeper]

Very slick. I think that will improve the range of plants you can grow.

 

[zach_1_6]

i have used those same bulbs before, i had great plant growth. i agree on the vents, they get realllllly hot goodluck.

 

[jnizzle]

Cool glad to hear these bulbs have worked! Thanks everyone for the input! That'll be tomorrows project I'll see if I can put a little fan in there