'Fuge lighting

[Bang Guy]

LOA Model 2065

 

[steve-s]

The higher the number the more blue/violet the light spectrum emitted.

Please compare the spectral output of the 6500K Iwasaki 250 watt Mercury Vapor bulb and the 20,000K Osram 250 watt Metal Halide Bulb. You will see that the Iwasaki bulb produces more light in the blue/violet spectrum than the Osram and yet the Kelvin color is far lower. This is because Kelvin is just the final color of all the mixed wavelengths of light.

Couldn't find a 250 comparison but I did find a <<400w spectrum plot>> unless you'd like to hook me up. I was not trying to dispute the 6500k would not produce in the 390-490nm range. What I was suggesting from the start was that the higher kelvin rating would emit measurabley lower output in the 600nm range allowing the hobbiest to "control" if you will, the growth of different types of algae a little better. Especially in a newer nutrient rich system where all forms of micro/macro algaes will be competing for existance. The lowered amount of red spectrum would lessen the nuisance algaes giving the chosen macro's a better advantage. It has at least worked for me in the past.

Most of the lights we use produce the full spectrum of light just at different peaks depending on manufacturer and equipment used to drive them. While we are specifically speaking of fluorescent type bulbs I could not find any specific data plots on their color spectrums but I would assume they would be at least similar. Photosynthesis will occur in a wide range of spectrums but different species will utilize some spectrums better than others.

I do have to agree on the kelvin point though. While there are subtle differences, all are very similar in nature.

Cheers
Steve

 

[Bang Guy]

Yep, subtle difference. Perhaps too subtle when discussing lighting Caulerpa or Chaetomorpha.

 

[sipe]

Well everyone I found what we are looking for...
Bulbman.com has compact fluorescents for our refugiums with good light spectrum!!!

The first is 15 watt 5100K screw socket with built-in reflector for 8000 hours (2 years at 12hrs/day) for $10.29
http://www.bulbman.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4197

And the other is a 15 watt 5000K screw socket with 10,000 hours 2 1/2 years without changing for $5.40, but would need a reflector. http://www.bulbman.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=4166

Both would screw into any standard 26mm screw light box from a hardware store without the need for a ballast since the ballast is built-in. to the bulbs.

 

[sipe]

Oh, and I forgot to add if you want a higher watt bulb they also have 42 and 55 watt bulbs for around $20, but they would also need reflector
http://www.bulbman.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=3920

Cheers!! 8)

 

[Bang Guy]

I've tried both and I'm unimpressed so far. In my experience the best bang for the buck so far has been GE ultradaylight NO flourescent bulbs.

*edit... I have not tried the higher wattage bulbs....