Lighting Options

[xing]

hi all

I'm looking at various lighting options for my 60US gal planted tank. Currently I have 1x40w (1x48" unreflected tube), 1x30w (1x36" reflected), 1x20w (1x24" reflected) giving a total of 1.5wpg.

I'm looking at increasing this but due to limitations of my hood (depth) I think I've only got 3 or 4 options. I can only fit either 2 reflectors with tubes across tank or 3 unreflected tubes (tank is 15" across, less half of this for opening portion leaves approx 7" for fitting);

• sticking with what I've got and adding a reflector to the 40w tube, or
• 3x40w (120w total) unreflected (2wpg), or
• 2x30w + 2x20w (100 total) with reflectors (1.67wpg)

at a push I could go for 3x30 and 3x20 to get 150w/2.5wpg in total unreflected but it's getting a little heavy on the number of controllers I'd need.

How effective are reflectors at increasing "intensity" of light?

Also, what combo of tubes would work best for a planted tank? I'm currently using 3 life-glo's.

Can controllers only be used with specified tube sizes - my 48" tubes appears to work with the 36" and 24" controllers.

TIA

 

[BINKSY]

first off i am very surprised to hear that your 48 tube works with that size controller, also im pretty sure that with the wpg rule it assumes that reflectors are used, using reflectors helps a lot, many people say it nearly doubles the output of the tube, im sure others will correct me if im wrong.



Cheers Gordon

 

[netcode]

first you should really be using tubes that are the length of your tank. So i assume your tank is about 48" as your using one 48" tube. Keep your one 48" tube get rid of the rest and add two more 48" tubes. Line your hood with some sort of reflective material. You have a few options, mylar, black/white poly, or white paint. Now you have 2WPG and are going to have some other issues if you don't start looking at CO2 and nutrients. So if you wanna keep it on the low tech side.. just use 2 x48" tubes and call it a day. I see you put the option of 2x36" and 2x24", but in my opinion that setup is just adding more work for yourself as you have 4 tubes and everything else that goes along with having 4 lights.

Goodluck hope it helps

 

[schnad]

White paint ? What white paint do you use? What about condensation and emissions coming from the paint and going in the water?

 

[SuperColey1]

1 2x55w T5 twin compact Interpet twin starter inc hood clips = £38.99 - Aqua Essentials
2 units = £77.98

4 Interpet twin compact bulbs (2 Triplus/2Daylight plus) - Surrey Pet Supplies
£7.85 each = £31.40 + £4.95 Delivery

Total £114.33 for 3.67WPG

Both have online shops

Twin compact 55W bulbs are 22" each so you could fit 2 in each channel where you would've had 1 48" tube.

 

[JamieH]

first off i am very surprised to hear that your 48 tube works with that size controller, also im pretty sure that with the wpg rule it assumes that reflectors are used, using reflectors helps a lot, many people say it nearly doubles the output of the tube, im sure others will correct me if im wrong.



Cheers Gordon

most reflector makers seem to say the output is double.

 

[JamesC]

also im pretty sure that with the wpg rule it assumes that reflectors are used, using reflectors helps a lot, many people say it nearly doubles the output of the tube, im sure others will correct me if im wrong.

Reflectors aren't quite as simple as you may think. Parabolic reflectors, like those commonly sold in aquatic stores, can actually increase light intensity at a given point by 2 or 3 times over not having one at all. It all depends on how good the parabolica is. They can't double the output of the tube as this is fixed, but they can focus the light in one direction. Good quality metal halide reflectors can actually increase the intensity of the light many fold which is why it's always a good idea to fork out for a decent one. Think of a torch and remove the reflector. With just the bulb on it is pretty dim. Now put the reflector back on and the light is very bright. More than double the light intensity.

Generally speaking mylar reflectors are very good and should be used. If cost is an issue then a matt white paint is also very good. Contrary to popular belief tinfoil is a poor reflector due to the way it scatters light.

James