Low Energy Lightbulbs

[Arfie]

You know the standard low energy light bulbs recommended for use in your home, well to my untrained eye they look like compact fluorescent bulbs similar to the T5 compacts

I was trying to find the lighting levels on the box but I don't know if I am reading it right, on an ikea low energy bulb, this is what I see:

550 Lumen
11 Watt = 60 Watt
10,000 Hours

So the 11W is the equivalent 60W normal bulb and should run for 10,000 hours before needing to be replaced, that bit is simple. I know that you should be looking at light in the range of 6700 for a tank light (for plant growth), but is this the lumen mentioned here or is this another measurement?

Arfie

 

[stegoodall]

they look like compact fluorescent bulbs similar to the T5 compacts

look at this site

http/www.cucumber.demon.co.uk/lights/diy/

sounds dangerous lol

 

[Rooster]

The "lumen" is a measure of AMOUNT of light.... similar to the Watt, the "6700" you mention is colour temperature I believe... ie the colour of the light emmitted.... they are indeed compact flourescent tubes, with a handy electronic control unit, but i dont they are suitable for plant growth

 

[Lateral Line]

It is quite possible to get cf's with good colour temperatures, but is certainly true that the cheap ones in supermarkets do not fall into that category.

 

[Arfie]

Cheers guys, had a look on the bulb itself and read the following:

K511 11W 220-240V~226K
50/60Hz 90mA ~550lm

I'm guessing here, but would the 226K (end of 1st row) represent the colour temperature? If so it seems like a very low number and as LL said will be useless for plants.

Stegoodall thanks for that, but it scared me, so I closed it

Arfie

 

[Ptarmigan]

.

 

[littleimp]

Check this out if you wnat to go this route. I used to work in a studio lighting manufacturers & we used to use these bulbs for daylight illumination.

They are a full spectrum daylight bulb & would be ideal for the purpose you need.

http/www.bltdirect.com/products.php?cat=443

We used to use 3 x 30w ones in a light fitment & this is equivelant to 450w!!! (150w each)

http/www.bowens.co.uk/catalog/product_in...?products_id=45

 

[stegoodall]

arfie, i got scared too so i got some ballasts and endcaps (for the t5 compacts) free from my dads work instead a lot safer i think lol

 

[Ptarmigan]

.

 

[Rooster]

Found that "860" equals 6000k or "daylight" so should be ok for plants ? This will be an interesting experiment... when I get the little tank to cycle, I will try these ! Most warehouse type places and pound shops stock "Blackspur" they are the cheap de la cheap, so worth a try !




2700 827 Warm White
3000 830 Warm White The colour of most halogen lamps. Appears slightly “whiter” than ordinary incandescent lamps.
3500 835 White The standard colour for many fluorescent and compact fluorescent tubes.
4000 840 Cool White Gives a more clinical or “high tech” feel.
6000 860 Daylight Fluorescent or compact fluorescent lamps simulating natural daylight.
6500 865 Cool Daylight Extremely “white” light used in specialist daylight lamps.

 

[Ptarmigan]

.

 

[Arfie]

Soooooo, it seems that we may be able to use normal, low energy light bulbs to light an aquarium and encorage plant growth with 6500K light, without the need for expensive ballasts and starters.

I found this one Clickety Click for about a tenner for a 20W bulb at 6500K.

The main reason for my question was that I have a cupboard full of low energy bulbs and just wondered if they could be used. I have checked them all, Ikea do not put any colour info on, neither do Morrisons, but GE do however theirs is only 2700K.

Thanks for the info guys, very interesting and worth considering for the fishroom to help with plant growth and maybe even to use in a future tank project.

Arfie

Edit, they have a 30w for £10.45 Clickety Click

 

[Ptarmigan]

.

 

[IovaykInD]

I don't get it..why isn't everyone switching over to these? They save you a lot of money and they work just as well..is there something wrong with these bulbs?

 

[Rooster]

They are cheap !!!!! thats whats wrong with them.... people take a LOT of convincing before leaving the beaten track... its the same in ANY hobby...