Lighting Choice For 4 Footer

[indir-emir]

Hi all,
Just wondering if the light (in the link below) is the same thing as having 4x 4ft long 54 watt lights. From the picture, it looks like its 4x 2 ft lights at 54 watts each bulb?

Here is the link to the light im talking about:
http/www.petsuppliesaustralia.com.au/store/Lighting/Power-Compact-Light-1200mm-p942.html

Also, are the lights good for plant growth? They are 6400k

If anyone is able to help me out, that would be great.

Cheers,
Indir

 

[vinylman]

It depends entirely on what you want to grow. I have a 4ft Arcadia Luminaire over my 40-and-a-bit gallon tank (around 80 watts in total) and thanks to Aqua Essentials liquid carbon have had no trouble growing anything (I don't have anything too exotic; Crypts, Hygrophila etc.) Down to what you want to grow, really.

 

[indir-emir]

Thanks for the reply mate.

However, i don't think you understood me. What i was asking was wether the link above is equivelant to a 4x4foot long tube set up. As in the link i will give below.

So basicaly, are the two lights below equivelant to eachother? For any sort of plant growth

Light 1:
http/www.petsuppliesaustralia.com.au/store/Lighting/Power-Compact-Light-1200mm-p942.html
Light 2:
http/www.guppysaquariumproducts.com.au/florescent-light-fittings-and-accessories/t5-florescent-light-fittings-supreme-aqua/t5-aquarium-overhead-light-4x54w-hi-output-120cm-long/prod_229.html

I realise they both say 4x54 watt lights. But from the image, it looks like 'Light 1' has what appears to me to be 8x2 ft tubes? While 'Light 2' has 4x 54 watt. Are they equivelant to eachother for maximum tank coverage with teh light?

Cheers,
Indir

 

[vinylman]

Having computer trouble at work today and the links aren't working for me.

 

[indir-emir]

Hmm, links work for me. Anyone else able to confirm wether they work or not? Otherwise ill have to upload the pictures myself in the morning from work.

Cheers,
Indir

 

[raptorrex]

the only real difference is the colour temp of the tubes. I would suggest, for a freshwater tank, 10,000k is a waste of time. but then, its cheaper?

 

[indir-emir]

Thanks for the reply.

So it doesnt actually matter that one seems to be 8x2ft tubes while one if 4x4ft tubes. They will both do the same amount for the plants?

Also, is 6400k better for plant growth?

Which light would you recommend

Cheers,
Indir

 

[Dave Spencer]

So it doesnt actually matter that one seems to be 8x2ft tubes while one if 4x4ft tubes. They will both do the same amount for the plants?

Either luminaire will do the job. However, whichever one you choose, you will be left with a lot of light. The second one looks as if the lamps are independently switchable in pairs, so this one would be my choice in terms of controllability of the light in a newly planted tank. This is very important.

Also, is 6400k better for plant growth?

Show me a plant adapted to 6500k and I will show you £100. The make up of sunlight changes throughout the day, so plants are adapted to this. In the end, I get lamps that give the best colour rendering to my eye.

Dave.

 

[indir-emir]

Thanks for the reply Dave.

Looks like im going for the one with the 2ft tubes then. My tank is 90Gallons so this should put me around the 2.4WPG mark if im correct?

Should be good for the plants.

Thanks everyone for the help.

Now to order it

Cheers,
Indir

 

[Mikaila31]

Both of those have 4 bulbs, the one is straight T5's, while the other runs power compacts(bent t5/t6) the bulb is just in a U shape.

 

[indir-emir]

Oh That makes more sense then what i thought lol.

Cheers,
Indir

 

[Hokum]

I use a Hagen Glo, which i think is a nice neat unit.