I am in the process of putting together a 40g breeder to replace my 29g planted tank. I am building a canopy for it that will have diy compact florescent lighting. My current tank is somewhat low light at about 1.2 watt per gallon with diy co2. I have been and will be growing anubias, java fern, crypt lucens and amazon swords. My question is this. How many compact florescent bulbs will I need to keep similar to slightly better plant growth in the 4og breeder. The tank will be more gallons but 2" less deep then the 29g. Would 3 sockets with the 13watt daylight cfls do?(40watt equiv) Or do i need more?
how many cfl for 40g breeder?
- Thread starter koipoloi
- Start date
get 3-4 27w bulbs and you should be good. Go with the wattage thats on the bulb not the equivalence.
Another thing that will help you are good reflectors. Look into ahsupply.com
Another thing that will help you are good reflectors. Look into ahsupply.com
I looked into this at one point because I have several 40b's and I was going to go with 4 sockets. Ended up hanging t5ho's and calling it a day, though.
i kind of agree with jeta. on small tanks its nice since you can get a good amount of light into a small area. they are not to efficient so with larger tanks you stat to add up the bulbs not being as efficient less bulb options and the other things out there really start ot look better off.
I'd make the enclosure out of a plastic gutter. Paint the inside white, and the outside black, mount 5 sockets. I'd start with 3 bulbs in it, and move up to 5 as the plants fill in start shadowing others.
with good dome style reflectors and vertical orientation... 3... just to spread the light a bit.
another way... i'd have to agree with everyone else.
another way... i'd have to agree with everyone else.
Thanks for all the input. I have decided to go with 4 higher watt cfl and will make a reflector with vinyl guttering lined with reflectix tape.
I am tempted to get a retrofit kit from ahsupply.com but being frugal want to try the cheaper route first.
I am tempted to get a retrofit kit from ahsupply.com but being frugal want to try the cheaper route first.
