Arcadia Original Or Freshwater?

[iamwhoiam]

I'm currently running my tank with a single 15W Arcadia Freshwater tube (so it's currently at 1.25wpg which is too low) mounted in the middle of the tank.

I've figured out I could probably fit in another 14W tube at the back...

But I can't figure out what combination of tubes I want for optimum growth. I have a 15W Arcadia Original Tropical tube spare.

So I can't decide either:

1) 15W Freshwater in middle, 14W Original Tropical in back
2) 15W Original Tropical in middle, 14W Freshwater in back
3) 15W Freshwater in middle, 14W Freshwater in back

Some of you (george, jim) have said that the Original Tropical tubes are no use and may even envourage algae growth?! So I am sceptical about what I should be doing. Others (PFK plant expert) have said that combination of both is the best.

Also, how are you guys mounting reflectors and tubes withou the ballast holders? Do you just rely on the reflector's clips to hold the tubes?!?!

Thanks, Andy

 

[George Farmer]

The Arcadia FW and Arcadia OT are a good combination as suggested by Peter Bradley from PFK. I don't know who said the OT may encourage algae growth.

However, there are better tubes than the OT that reproduce a similar red/blue spectrum i.e. Interpet Triplus. This is a tri-phosphor tube that produces a "fuller" light, has a higher intensity and lasts longer.

My advice would be to mix the Arcadia FW and Triplus if possible. The FW is also great for highlighting greens, the Triplus for reds and blues.

Their positioning is almost irrelevant. Just experiment and see what you prefer.

The reflector clips should hold the tubes securely. I recommend the Juwel metal clips as these don't snap like the plastic ones do after time.

 

[Themuleous]

When you say the triplus last longer George, how long do you mean? Still replace after a year?

Sam

 

[George Farmer]

When you say the triplus last longer George, how long do you mean? Still replace after a year?

Sam

I would still replace after 12 months personally. It has been claimed by the manufacturer that their spectrum and output levels remain constant until it fails but I remain sceptical. I would suggest the Triplus output remains far more stable than other non-triphoshor tubes though.

 

[TrueNoob]

When you say the triplus last longer George, how long do you mean? Still replace after a year?

Sam

I would still replace after 12 months personally. It has been claimed by the manufacturer that their spectrum and output levels remain constant until it fails but I remain sceptical. I would suggest the Triplus output remains far more stable than other non-triphoshor tubes though.

i replace my bulbs every xmas