help with a possible light fixture.... - Aquarium Advice

08-03-2006, 09:51 AM

Hi

i have 2 24' 20 gal tanks that need better lighting. I'd like to go compact flourescent.

I have seen that I can purchase compact flourescent bulbs that fit a standard incandescent fixture. I am wondering if I can use these to build my own light fixture for my tank.

I am thinking this might be less expensive than attempting to build a pin style fixture.

has anyone done anything like this?

Thanks
P.

src · 08-03-2006, 09:56 AM

The screw in CF lights are a good stopgap measure if you already have an incandescent hood, but you lose a LOT of the light from them from "restrike". That's where the light bounces off of other parts of the bulb, instead of directly into the tank and off of the reflector and into the tank. They aren't nearly as effective as the straight tubes in the pin-style fixtures.

08-03-2006, 09:51 AM	#1
Guest Posts: n/a	help with a possible light fixture.... Hi i have 2 24' 20 gal tanks that need better lighting. I'd like to go compact flourescent. I have seen that I can purchase compact flourescent bulbs that fit a standard incandescent fixture. I am wondering if I can use these to build my own light fixture for my tank. I am thinking this might be less expensive than attempting to build a pin style fixture. has anyone done anything like this? Thanks P.

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08-03-2006, 09:56 AM	#2
src Aquarium Advice Freak Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Richmond, Virginia Posts: 476	The screw in CF lights are a good stopgap measure if you already have an incandescent hood, but you lose a LOT of the light from them from "restrike". That's where the light bounces off of other parts of the bulb, instead of directly into the tank and off of the reflector and into the tank. They aren't nearly as effective as the straight tubes in the pin-style fixtures.