HD aquarium plant fluorescents

GaryZ · 11-08-2005, 05:13 PM

I have a 4' 2x40 watt fluorescent shop light lighting my refugium. I switched to to a 4' 2x40 watt fluorescent plant and aquarium bulb from HD. It's Phillips brand. The light seems alot dimmer than the standard cheap shop lights I was running. Should I switch back? Or is it all about spectrum and dimmness doesn't matter.

***Reefland*** · 11-08-2005, 07:20 PM

It's the spectrum that matters in this case, although you would yeild better growth with a more intense lighting even for just macroalgae.

GaryZ · 11-08-2005, 07:25 PM

So, your saying that the light I had in, the more intense lights, would better?

GaryZ · 11-08-2005, 07:31 PM

Or, maybe, one of each?

***Reefland*** · 11-08-2005, 07:41 PM

No I am saying if both lights are the same wattage then the spectrum is more important, thus the "plant" bulbs being better. However, it would be better to have PC or VHO instead of NO lighting.

**Poseidon** · 11-08-2005, 09:58 PM

Scott is right on the money. Remember our eyes are not the best at discerning brightness over different wavelengths.

I also agree with Scott about the need for a more intense light however. You will be amazed at the things you see with a new fixture!

**charlie** · 11-09-2005, 08:09 AM

Gary, I think you would be real surprised at how much lite these macros can handle. I run a couple of 10K coralvues (400w) over my fuge. It might be a little overkill, but the growth is fantastic.

Steven Pro · 11-09-2005, 08:36 AM

For a 40 watt normal output daylight fluorescent, it is hard to beat the GE Chroma 50 lamp.

My2heartboys · 11-09-2005, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryZ

I have a 4' 2x40 watt fluorescent shop light lighting my refugium. I switched to to a 4' 2x40 watt fluorescent plant and aquarium bulb from HD. It's Phillips brand. The light seems alot dimmer than the standard cheap shop lights I was running. Should I switch back? Or is it all about spectrum and dimmness doesn't matter.

Hey, Gary, that bulb is good. My dad works for those guys.

Anne

GaryZ · 11-09-2005, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My2heartboys

Hey, Gary, that bulb is good. My dad works for those guys.

Anne

HD or Phillips?

My2heartboys · 11-09-2005, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryZ

HD or Phillips?

Phillips--of course Salina Ks plant

Anne

GaryZ · 11-10-2005, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My2heartboys

Phillips--of course Salina Ks plant

Anne

Oh, ok. I thought maybe he was one of those grumpy, retired electricians moonlighting at HD.

11-08-2005, 05:13 PM	#1
GaryZ Council Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 253	HD aquarium plant fluorescents I have a 4' 2x40 watt fluorescent shop light lighting my refugium. I switched to to a 4' 2x40 watt fluorescent plant and aquarium bulb from HD. It's Phillips brand. The light seems alot dimmer than the standard cheap shop lights I was running. Should I switch back? Or is it all about spectrum and dimmness doesn't matter.

11-08-2005, 07:20 PM	#2
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,044	It's the spectrum that matters in this case, although you would yeild better growth with a more intense lighting even for just macroalgae. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

11-08-2005, 07:41 PM	#5
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,044	No I am saying if both lights are the same wattage then the spectrum is more important, thus the "plant" bulbs being better. However, it would be better to have PC or VHO instead of NO lighting. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

11-08-2005, 09:58 PM	#6
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,353	Scott is right on the money. Remember our eyes are not the best at discerning brightness over different wavelengths. I also agree with Scott about the need for a more intense light however. You will be amazed at the things you see with a new fixture! __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

11-09-2005, 08:09 AM	#7
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 5,945	Gary, I think you would be real surprised at how much lite these macros can handle. I run a couple of 10K coralvues (400w) over my fuge. It might be a little overkill, but the growth is fantastic. __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

11-08-2005, 07:25 PM	#3
GaryZ Council Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 253	So, your saying that the light I had in, the more intense lights, would better?

11-08-2005, 07:31 PM	#4
GaryZ Council Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 253	Or, maybe, one of each?

11-09-2005, 08:36 AM	#8
Steven Pro Mayor Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 672	For a 40 watt normal output daylight fluorescent, it is hard to beat the GE Chroma 50 lamp.

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