possible cheap option for lighting

keeperofthefish · Post by **keeperofthefish** » Thu Dec 08, 2005 11:51 pm

Does anyone have experience using fluourescent floodlights for aquarium lighting? I have heard of people using these on reef tanks. The brand of choice seems to be from Lights of America.

http://www.lightsofamerica.com/floods.htm

If it works, they would sure be less expensive...

Ghazanfar Ghori · Post by **Ghazanfar Ghori** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:01 am

The Lights of America lights have been known to die fairly quick from
heat buildup.

gnatster · Post by **gnatster** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:17 am

The units were not designed to work in a horizantal orientation. Taking proper consideration to cooling the fixtures is the key to making these work. Read this on the nanoreef site.

SCMurphy · Post by **SCMurphy** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 12:44 pm

I've used them, I drilled holes in the case and installed computer fans to cool them. That was the only way to keep the lights from tanking.

keeperofthefish · Post by **keeperofthefish** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:35 pm

Obviously I'm behind the curve here. Thanks for the info.

That said, it looks like the best option for less expensive lighting is DIY, and that probably means AHSupply for any CF needs. What are the best MH DIY kits? Anyone have experience with T5? And on that note, How does T5 stack up against MH and CF? I've read about it but I'm interested in hearing from personal experiences.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 2:11 pm

I'm using T5's right now and so far I like them a lot. I have the Sunlight Supply Tek 4 x 54 watt light on my 75 gallon tank. The nice thing about T5's is that with parabolic reflectors there's virtually no restrike so all the light goe into the tank and not back into the bulbs.

FrannyB · Post by **FrannyB** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:23 pm

Got a link or a picture Aaron?

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 2:54 am

www.sunlightsupply.com is the company. If you get one, make sure it's the aquarium specific model. Those have the ability to stagger two sets of bulbs on/off using two separate switches.

I'm using Aqua Medic Planta bulbs that I got at Exotic Aquatics and they work great.

keeperofthefish · Post by **keeperofthefish** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 2:40 pm

If I'm correct, 4x54w T5's put off about as much light as one average MH bulb, but they are much cheaper to operate (in terms of electricity consumption and bulb life) and they disperse light more evenly over a wider area. Do the bulbs die off relatively quickly or can you really get the 3 years of life they claim? What kind of punch do they have in terms of a deeper tank, especially relative to CF, which dies off pretty shallow? I'm thinking about this specifically in terms of my 20 high, which is a terrible tank to try to light, and in which my 65w cf just isn't cutting the mustard.

Aaron · Post by **Aaron** » Sat Dec 10, 2005 5:55 pm

A cf bulb should be plenty of light for a 20 high tank. I don't really see a need for MH for anything shallower than 24". Flourescent "punch" is all about the reflectors. Crappy reflectors really kill the punch they have. Are you using a coralife fixture or AH supply? If you have a coralife you need 2x65 watt to get enough light in there most likely.

The T5s are claimed to last 2 years by most people, and I'll have to let you know in a little over a year if that holds true.

They do disperse light nicely and it's certainly cheaper and cooler than running MH lights.

possible cheap option for lighting

possible cheap option for lighting

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