Updating the WPG rule (theory)

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

I've noticed more and more people are using Watts from a CF to equal 1WPG.. The way I figure these numbers are.

1 W CF bulb = 1.75W towards the WPG rule
1 W T8 bulb = 1.58W towards the WPG rule
1 W T12 bulb = 1W towards the WPG rule

I think this is the most effective way of doing things. assume 1W CF is anywhere near 1W T12 is an understatement.
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(supporting math)
CF = 100Lumens / Watt
T8 = 90Lumens / Watt
T12 = 57Lumens / Watt

the WPG rule is based closely to 57Lumens / Watt
so 90/57 = 1.58 WPG for T8 and CF leading by 1.75WPG
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There was discussion before about how the WPG is outdated.. I think this is more true then you know.

So for equal lighting

on a 55Gal tank, 200 Watts of T12 (5 bulbs) can be equaled with 128W T8 lighting (4 bulbs, save 1 bulb.) or 114W CF lighting (2x55w, save 2 bulbs.)

Does this seem like something that is reasonable?
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edit:
Well, on my "crusade" I've finished most of the typing.. hopefully it shows the major differences and can help some people.

Here is the page so far

[fishygurl]

Makes sense to me, but what about t5 lighting?

[rich311k]

If you are right and your math makes sense. I have over 6 watts a gallon on my tank. Interesting and could explain a few things.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Fishygurl. T5 is a straght CF. (or more accurately, a CF bulb is a bent T5 to reduce it's footprint)

[Purrbox]

Actually T5 isn't CF. They may work out the same math wise (I have no idea) but they are not the different terms for the same lighting.

T5 Fixtures

CF Fixtures

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Fixed my description of a t5 bulb. the fixtures may be different, but I can assure you those bulbs are virtually identical.

November 18, 2005—The Sylvania 28-Watt Dulux L Supersaver T5 compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is the newest addition to the company's expanding line of compact fluorescent products. The Dulux L Supersaver lamps are high lumen, single-ended T5 twin-tube lamps that provide a lumen output similar to 4-foot linear fluorescent lamps, yet are half the length, says Sylvania.

[Lonewolfblue]

So, is this how I would calculate my w/g on my 26g?

65W CF
26G tank

65x1.75/26=4.4w/g

Would this be correct, approx 4.4w/g?

I currently only have java moss, which is doing awsome. I have no CO2 injection, I suppliment Flourish Excel daily, and Flourish Trace twice a week, and Flourish Iron once a week. And I have no algae problems, nor green water. All's looking great.

[Wizzard~Of~Ozz]

Yes. Now out of curiousity, do you use Co2 on that tank? is there a fair bit of algae? Excel maybe?

[Lonewolfblue]

I currently only have java moss, which is doing awsome. I have no CO2 injection, I suppliment Flourish Excel daily, and Flourish Trace twice a week, and Flourish Iron once a week. And I have no algae problems, nor green water. All's looking great.

[Lonewolfblue]

In fact, the ugly stuff that was growing on the java moss is almost gone now. Used to have this grayish stuff growing on it when I had the original lighting, but now the java moss is very green. Loving it.