WPG question
- Thread starter gman52
- Start date
Yup, that is it. It applies best to NO fluorescents, other tube formats may need a bit of fudge factor (PC with a good reflector provides more light per watt and the reflector delivers more to the tank/plants).
Continueing the dumb question theme:
What does NO fluorescents mean? And also PC (I assume its not Personal computer).
And one more: Does any one has any experience using those low voltage downlights you can by for your house (you know the ones that fit flush in the ceiling), they seem like a great idea. 150 w fitting for around $5 au, halide globes for about $1 au, attach it to a piece of wood, hang it above the tank and away you go. Does it seem too good to be true?
Mike
What does NO fluorescents mean? And also PC (I assume its not Personal computer).
And one more: Does any one has any experience using those low voltage downlights you can by for your house (you know the ones that fit flush in the ceiling), they seem like a great idea. 150 w fitting for around $5 au, halide globes for about $1 au, attach it to a piece of wood, hang it above the tank and away you go. Does it seem too good to be true?
Mike
Halides and such are not very efficient light sources compared to fluorescents, much of their wattage is wasted as heat.
RTR said:
Ive found them to be pretty similar in efficiency, but HID's compact size means that the heat is radiated from a smaller place, and results in higher temperatures. Fluorescents spread that heat out along their entire length.
As far as I can tell the standard T12 40 watt bulb has a lumen output of ~3000. Giving a lumen/watt of 75.
A standard 175 watt MH has a lumen output of ~14,000. GIving a lumen/watt of 80.
There are of course, large variations in terms of color and lumen output as well. There are some MH bulbs with lumen/watt ratings of well over 120. And fluorescent bulbs can be significantly higher as well too, Im sure.
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As we are on the aquatic plant forum, lumens don't mean a thing for plants, only for human eyes. The second most effective plant growth NO tube that I use for utility plant tanks is the Phillips "Daylight Deluxe" with the pathetic lumen rating of 2325 for the 40W T12s. Its CRI is nothing to write home about either at only 84. To my eyes it also the second most pleasing NO that I use. My first choice for displays is the Triton, which does not even advertise its ratings on those points.