Lighting Equipment

[Tank2379]

Hey just wondering if this set up would work I was thinking of getting 4 clamp on lamps w 4 x 26w ( equivalent to 100 watts) Just wondering if this could work instead of getting a huge lighting fixture for the lighting i want... Check it out....

Brooder Lamp with Clamp Garden Tools - GregRobert

Here is the flourescent bulb...

Amazon.com: GE 15517 26 Watt (100 Watt equivalent) Energy Smart Spiral T3 Light Bulb, 3-Pack: Home Improvement

let me know...

Thanks

 

[Tank2379]

oh also is there a clip on cooling fan i think i saw something on drfosters site but i can't remember...

 

[Tank2379]

Any one?

 

[Tank2379]

Please?

 

[ccCapt]

If you want to use this as the main lighting for your 55, sure it will work. But......depending on the Kelvin temp of the bulb, the tank will look like crap. I use the same style bulb in my sump, but I have the 6500K version and it is on the yellow side. You will get virtually no penetration with such a low power bulb so I would think any photosynthetic corals are probably out of the question.

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

Agree... depends on what you're trying to do. Really no different than hanging a table lamp over your tank.

 

[Tank2379]

hhhhhhhhmmmmmmmm...... I been trying to find a 150 watt Flourescent Bulb which they sell here at Menards... I saw the Bulb and it was Super White Bright I almost when blind when I saw it but I will try it and see how it would go but I will try one for now just to see how the lighting will be just to see if it will work... If not them I will get what I was going to get in the first place.... I guess there is nothing wrong with experiementing before actually getting the real thing....lol

 

[Tank2379]

If you want to use this as the main lighting for your 55, sure it will work. But......depending on the Kelvin temp of the bulb, the tank will look like crap. I use the same style bulb in my sump, but I have the 6500K version and it is on the yellow side. You will get virtually no penetration with such a low power bulb so I would think any photosynthetic corals are probably out of the question.

You mean the Bulb was yellow?

 

[Kurt_Nelson]

.... I guess there is nothing wrong with experiementing before actually getting the real thing....lol

Nothing wrong with it, but I think you could end up letting some nuisance algae get a real good foothold in your tank if the wavelength of the light isn't right.

 

[ccCapt]

You mean the Bulb was yellow?

No, the bulb is white, but with a 6500K temp, it looks sort of more yellow to eye than say a 14000k metal halide.
Melevsreef.com - Refugium Bulb

 

[Ziggy953]

I have a similar bulb over my fuge and I can keep mushrooms alive in it but that is about it. As ccCapt said you just aren't going to get the penetration you need in a 55 with those bulbs.

Look into T5HO Retro kits. I reccomend TEK.

 

[Tank2379]

No, the bulb is white, but with a 6500K temp, it looks sort of more yellow to eye than say a 14000k metal halide.
Melevsreef.com - Refugium Bulb

I see what your saying so... Would it be better to try having 6500k instead? I found an actual Daylight Flourescent Bulb 100watts with a 65000k....I thought maybe it will work I know you guys would prefer light with more penetration but like i said it just an experiment just want to see for myself want can occur with these flourescent bulbs... .... Not saying I would keep as my primary lighting....

 

[roka64]

I think those would be kinda yellow and not the daylight whites you really want.
Just throwing this out there, but how about Halogen for penetration...?

 

[ccCapt]

I thought maybe it will work I know you guys would prefer light with more penetration....

It's not what "we" prefer, it's what the corals need.

Just throwing this out there, but how about Halogen for penetration...?

I don't think you can get halogen in the correct color, plus halogens are real hot.

 

[Tank2379]

It's not what "we" prefer, it's what the corals need.

I don't think you can get halogen in the correct color, plus halogens are real hot.

Yeah I saw a few Halogen that were 200 watts and they were Super White. I don't know how white they really were.... I hate that they won't let you test the Halogen ones..... All well back to the drawing board....lol....

 

[mgamer20o0]

they sell 42w cfl bulbs here..... i know nothing about sw but i dont know why you would spend $18 on those plug ins when you could diy for very cheap.

 

[roka64]

Larry, I knew they were really hot, but I wasn't sure on the color. Thanks for the info!