CFL lights on a 180 - How many ????

I have the 3x54W catalina fixture, it is only $140 but the smaller fixtures are more expensive. It's worth giving them a call to see if you can get a sale price on the 3 foot fixtures/retrofits, the 4x54W fixture is $190 on sale, regular price is $275.
 
This is what I was thinking.

First Thank you all for the help!

We were talking 6 - 30W bulbs for a total of 234 watts

Then 4 - 96W fixtures for a total of 384 watts

Then 8 - 39W bulbs for a total of 312 Watts

My problem is fitting them in the good right now. SO after i chased down some of the links posted I found this.

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_7_68&products_id=1356

That's a total of 320 Watts, its a T5 retro kit. Its 4 80W bulbs.

My Questions are these - Its only 59 inches long - If centered do yall think that would work? Is 320Watts of T5 light gona do it? ALSO 2 of the bulbs are Attinics (Which I don't think I need) I would have to swap these 2 or ask them to do it from the factory? Is that correct? No Attinics? What do you guys think of that Fixture?

Thanks, Arkangel77:omg:
 
Dont give up on me now guys. WHat do yall think?

Its only 59 inches long - If centered do yall think that would work?

Is 320Watts of T5 light gona do it?

ALSO 2 of the bulbs are Attinics (Which I don't think I need) I would have to swap these 2 or ask them to do it from the factory? Is that correct? No Attinics?
 
59" is short. you'd likely have dark corners you'd have to accommodate.
actinics would have to be replaced, correct!
i completely understand not wanting to bend wood again.
you could also do 4' and 18" that'll only leave you a 6" gap at most. if you do 4 fixtures and stagger them it will fill the void between the fixtures with light. it will work though.
 
If you do a retrofit kit, you could always stagger the bulbs slightly so they aren't exactly end to end, to get around the length issue, and have like 1" or so overlap of each bulb in the middle, to use 3' bulbs.
 
Actinics do not need to be replaced. Actinic lighting is usable by plants. It's mostly a matter of personal taste in how the colors of the tank are rendered. Plants with red pigment benefit from actinic lighting.
 
OK so I think We are almost done with this. Here is what I came up with. Tell me what ya think?

I got 2 options that will fit in the tank.

Two of these side by side will fit. They are 35" each so they will fit in my 71" space. And they will put out 312 Watts of light. They will cost me $430.oo

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_7_68&products_id=1440

OR

Two of these staggered/overlapping in the middle. They are 59" long & will cover the entire tank and be Doubled - side by side for about 50" in the center with 10" on each end with only 2 bulbs instead of 4. Total output is 320 Watts of light. They will cost me about $275.oo

http://www.catalinaaquarium.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_7_68&products_id=1126

I like the 2nd option as its cost $150 less - puts out a little more light. DO you guys think this will work? Or will there be dark spots?

Thanks for the help guys.

Arkangel77
 
Bob, I'll take what's behind door #2!
 
SubRosa said:
Bob, I'll take what's behind door #2!
Click to expand...

I know right - this has bin crazy but I just want to make sure I do it right this time. I hope these T5 will get light all the way to the bottom of this 180. I am gona be so depressed if this dose not fix my lighting problems. SO I guess you like option #2. DO you think it will cover all the basses?

Thanks, Arkangel77
 
with catalina you can specify the bulbs you want.

you should be fine with what you have chosen.

they are suppose to be SLR and you should be ok with the light.
 
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