Bulbs Bulbs Bulbs...

[DrussRob]

I've decide to try one of those power compact lights by Catfish Lighting. The one I'm getting is on eBay. Here's the basic description:

CL 30" Aquarium Dual Power Compact Light 130W Free/Ship

This is Brand New in the box Catfish Lighting 30" 130 Watt Power Compact Light!

This is the new 30” 130 Watt Power Compact Light from Catfish Lighting!! It comes with two 65 Watt straight pin bulbs, which is perfect for small aquariums, reptile tanks, reef and coral tanks, and plant tanks. You have your choice of bulb configuration; 6700K, 12000K, 50/50, or Blue Actinic. Please let me know what configuration you want at checkout. It also comes with fully adjustable mounting legs out to 35" and 2 Blue Moon LED’S. Two switches, one controls the bulbs and one controls the Moon LED’S.

Features:

Sleek black aluminum housing
Mounting legs and 2 Blue Moon LED’S
Two 65 Watt Fluorescent Bulbs (Straight Pin)
Two Five Foot power cords with two switches
2 Mini Fans and acrylic splash shield
1 Year Catfish Lighting Warranty on the fixture
30 day Warranty on the light bulb
Dimensions 29.75” X 7.5” X 2.5”
Free shipping to Continental US

As with all Catfish Lighting products you get the manufactures 1-year warranty on the fixture and 30 day warranty on the bulb.

I however have never used one of these type of light fixtures, so I'm lost on the bulb issue. I've spent the last 3-4 hours reading alot of info all over the place (alot of it contradictory) and I can truly say I'm just as confused as when I started. Does anyone have experience with these lights on a freshwater setup?

This will go on my 56 gallon tank which is something like 30wX20hX18L... kinda... It is also moderately planted and has a glass top.

Thanks for any input

 

[Ghost_knife]

I dont have catfish lights perse' but PC lights I've used ask what range they are in, your lookin for 6700K bulbs.

 

[KingOfTheDeep]

"You have your choice of bulb configuration; 6700K, 12000K, 50/50, or Blue Actinic."

says they have the 6700k range, i say go with it

 

[imnotlistening]

don't use atinic for freshwater use 5500-6500k

 

[DrussRob]

Well I got the 6700k bulbs and have been running the lights for almost 2 weeks. I've seen a very noticable increase in plant growth and deeper colors in the plants as well. I have also noticed an increase in activity in all of the tank inhabitants.

These Catfish lights seem to be pretty good quality. Very solid and sturdy, and have had no problems with them so far. Fans aren't loud either.

 

[wackydan]

Not to hijack.... But I'm running a Blue Actinic combo PC on my 16 gallon fresh - It's a 40w where half the bulb us the blue......

Is blue Actinic not beneficial at all for fresh water? I have a planted tank. I haven't noticed the plants doing much better, though my horn wart is doing better.

 

[wackydan]

Not to hijack.... But I'm running a Blue Actinic combo PC on my 16 gallon fresh - It's a 40w where half the bulb us the blue......

Is blue Actinic not beneficial at all for fresh water? I have a planted tank. I haven't noticed the plants doing much better, though my horn wart is doing better.

????