All-Glass compact fluorescents...

[Soulcoffr]

Has anyone had any experience with the new AG compact fluorescent lights? Link follows:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3773&Ne=40000&R=7535&N=2004+113030

They seem to be reasonably priced and appear to have a decent light output.

Would the 48" model be a pretty good option for a 55 gallon tank? Would the light output be enough to grow most plants in that tank?

[djlen]

If you look closely you will see that the reflector on those units is flat. Compare that with the reflectors on the AH Supply site which have 4 or 5 surfaces and give almost 60% more light than flat reflectors. I have an All-Glass similar to the ones you are looking at, and also have retro-fitted some old 55gal/15watt caps with 2x55watt reflectors and the higher light out put is very, very noticeable. They claim that their reflectors give 160% light compared to others. I have no way of measuring this, but do notice quite a difference.
Also, I bought the 2x55 to retro-fit for less money than they are asking for the same wattage on the site you are looking at.
Of course there is a difference in convenience. With theirs you just open the box and light it up. With the AH lighting you need to do a bit of work to put it together.
All in all, if I had it to do over again, I'd go with the AH Supply in a heartbeat. IMO, it's just a much better and more efficient set up.

Len

[Cearbhaill]

That's the very light I have on my 90 planted tank now.
I've been very happy with it- put one on my Goldfish tank as well.
I did have to change out the bulbs for the discus tank though- the 9325º were just too white. I put in 6700's and the fish are all vibrant and the plants grow like crazy.

[Soulcoffr]

Those picutes of your FW 90 are quite nice, Cearbhaill. Is that with the AG compact fluorescent lights in place then?

[Cearbhaill]

Yup.

[Fresh04]

I just bought a 55w c.f. 30" for my 36 gallon bowfront. I now notice the reflector being flat like you said. Is there any way to fit more reflector material in there so that more light is directed downward?
Know of any places that would sell the material to do that? Any extra light I could get out of that fixture would be great! ;)