CF Vs. T5 HO lights.

F

faldgan

AC Members
Jan 27, 2007
33
0
0
So I'm working on setting my new tank. It's a 165 gallon acrylic, made by the casco group. 72" long, 18" front to back and 30" deep.
I currently have 12 bags of flourite for substrate, enough to get me to about 1 3/4 inches depth, which I plan to fill out to about 2" depth by mixing it with some larger cheap gravel from my LFS.

I'm ordering a CO2 system, probably this one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15526&N=2004+113779

I am having a little trouble understanding what I need for lighting. From what I am reading, I need 2-4 Watts per gallon, which puts me at about 500 Watts for my tank.

The CF lights come in two-bulb configurations per 36", each bulb being 96 Watts. This gives me 384 Watts for roughly $440. A little low at just over 2 Watts per gallon. There are also some 4-bulb fixtures, but that brings me in at 768 Watts for over $800. A little high. And I've found one 6-bulb 72" fixture for $680 which will provide 576 Watts. This sounds like the best deal so far.

The T5 HO lights come in 4 bulb 36" configurations at 39 Watts per bulb, so I could go for 312 Watts for $750 Why would these be a good deal?

Are my calculations way off base here?
 
ok first of all dont order that co2 system. its for paintball tanks. you will prob be replacing the tank every couple days maybe a week. you really want a normal one with a 5+ pound co2 tank.
http://www.bestaquariumregulator.com/co2.html
check out that regulator. you can also order ferts there.

i would stick with 3wpg or so.
http://www.rexgrigg.com/mlt.html

both are good. i think CF has more bulb options. a little more common. ahsupply has one of the best reflectors around.
http://www.ahsupply.com/36-55w.htm
6 x 55 watt Bright Kit™ Item # 30556 $184.99
that would put you at 2wpg. nice place to start with co2. you could always add more.


you can get these bulbs.
http://lightbulbsdirect.com/Merchan...=PROD&Store_Code=001&Product_Code=F55BX-AR-FS
$14.20

so that will run you $270 or so plus shipping.
 
I have this regulator from dr.fostershttp://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9895&N=2004+113779
As far as your substrate goes flourite is ok but you will find that its granule size especially mixed with plain gravel will be too large for any of the smaller more delicate plants.
For lighting you could hang 2 or three 250w metal halide pendants.
When choosing a co2 diffuser there is one very important thing to know is a cheap one will cause you more frustration than its worth.
This is where all mine are from they are inexpensive and work great.
http://stores.ebay.com/AquaticMagic_CO2-Equipment_W0QQcolZ4QQdirZ1QQfsubZ4QQftidZ1QQtZkm
 
Keep in mind too that the WPG rule really doesn't apply to CF bulbs. They have a higher lumens per watt than almost any other bulb (except T8s). Plus they last about twice as long as other bulbs. Up to a year and a half, plus the bulbs burn out before their color output degrades. So with the 2x96 watt CF bulbs, you'll have moderate-high lighting over your tank (given an average lumens/watt of 79.8 for CF bulbs.)

For more answers, try this site...

http://woo.gotdns.com/Aquarium/Lighting.htm
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom