Just A Few Questions

[shrimply]

I have a few questions I hoped that some of you is might be able to answer, nothing to difficult I don't think.

In my planted tank I hope to use a 25w triplus and a 25w daylight plus along with two 30w energy savers. the tank is only 120l but is slightly more than 20" deep do you think this will be enough light to give glosso or similar enough light to carpet?

Second question is there any difference between the jewel and Arcadia T8 reflectors. Jewels seem to retail slightly cheaper.

Finally one more lighting question has anyone used reflectors successfully with energy savers, can I buy a regular T8 reflector and half it or is it the wrong size.

And to finish off can any one say how good the diffuser with this kit is and if I am able to get a bubble count from it. It doesn't come with a bubble counter and I wondered if I needed one.

Sorry for all the questions but you are all so good at answering them

 

[shrimply]

Sorry I forgot to add a link to the kit last night it was too late . Can anyone help please.

 

[BigIan]

the diffrence between the reflectors is the jewel ones rather than being a nice smooth curve bend more at one side than the other.
this is because jewel tank lighting is made of a large middle section with the 2 tubes either side. So on the side nect to the beam you have the sharp bend and on the other side you have a wider curve....

the arcadia ones however have an even bend.

i`ve not used that diffuser personally but you can get a bubble count from it as the bubbles gather in the spiral inside the diffusor...

 

[SuperColey1]

Ian

I don't think thats right. my Arcadia reflectors are as you described the Juwel i.e straight edge then rounded to a diagonal.

I think what we are describing reflectors to fit a standard hood, which nearly always has the ballast recess in the middle of the lights.

My tank is a Fluval and is the same with a bloody great ballast recess in the middle.

Maybe Juwel and Arcadia (and probably other brands as well make different reflectors for differend hoods?)

Just out of interest and still on topic here as this will probably answer the difference question.

Can these curved reflectors for T8 bulbs be used for Twin Compacts or do Twin compacts have a different design?

Andy

 

[shrimply]

Ok thanks so does matter which reflector I use.

 

[BigIan]

not really alrthough the ones with a shallower curve will give you a wider spread of the light if they will fit

 

[shrimply]

if they will fit

Now that is a queation I am trying to avoid as my hood is a rediculas shape if anyone could give me the measurments of any makes of T8 reflectors I would be very grateful.

Can anyone answer any of my other questions.

Cheers Guys you are very helpful.

 

[SuperColey1]

Measurement wise they are (24"/18W) 23" length and 3" wide.

In my tank the front fits in easy because the flap is there and you can spin/adjust it which way you want.

The back is a different story.

It fits in perfectly but you have to twist it to the wrong angle to clip the tube in, then turn it to the correct position and is not adjustable afterwards without taking the hood off again (This one will never slip out of the position I leave it in as it is tight against the ballast recess and also tight against the back of the hood)

It is a Fluval Cheapo hood (and just found out they use a 30W ballast to power 2x18W, so they are underpowered, the cheeky bu**ers)

 

[shrimply]

Really ( curses silently) I can see this is going to be a nightmare to fit all this lighting in. I will just have to order it all and then squeeze,hopefully i will get it all in somehow.

The hood is metal but has a huge flat bit at the back, which i really don't understand, I mean what is the gain of haveing half a hood that you can't use.

If all else fails I might have to build a new hood.

 

[SuperColey1]

If you have a space in the hood which is larger than 24 inches x 3 inches, the rip the whole lot out.

You can get a T5 twin compact which is 22" long and 55W and fit that in there.

Single Unit £30 on ebay, Bulbs around £10, Use one standard curved reflector, jobs a good un

 

[shrimply]

Thanks I had looked into these a while ago but at the time they were having overheating problems.

I will have to look into it they might work out cheaper and should fit. By standard I presume you mean T8 and would one reflector do two of the T5s or just one. Thanks for the help.

I need it

 

[cheesy feet]

http/www.livefoods.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=160

I got my reflector from here.I use it on my Wd enclosure though...It's good,quite unbendable and does the job!