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Re: t-8/CF lighting suggestions
Questions:
1) Should I use 3 or 4 bulbs? (I was thinking of using 4 bulbs with two ballasts, each
on a separate timer).
2) Can anyone recommend some bulbs they've had good luck with that would be great for
plants and have a light balance that would be pleasing to the eye? I realize that some
combination might be my best bet.
3) Would any ballast with a power factor > 1 or 1.1 be fine?
I use 4 bulbs. 2 GE SPX50 and 2 Phillips 6500k daylight (from petwarehouse). One ballast from home depot which powers all 4 lights (I would like to upgrade to an HO ballast at some point). 2 aqua mirrors. I could have used just one, but I was feeling froggity and bought 2. The plants grow very well and bubble after the lights are on for an hour or so. I also have pressurized co2, flourite, PMDD etc. The plants aren't high light except for Eusteralis Stellata, which is doing ok.
If I was to change out some lights I would try and find a t-8 P&A bulb and one of the new phillips 950 series to compliment the phillips 6500 daylight and the GE spx50 bulb. The color temp is personal preference, but I like the mix of 6500 and 5000. They probably balance out to around 5700k or so.
If I was to do it again, I might go with the ahsupply.com power compact lights. I have a single 40 watt over a 20 gallon and it works very well. Either way, you will have a nice, efficient light set-up that doesn't generate much heat.
Chris, in Atlanta
>2) Can anyone recommend some bulbs they've had good luck with that >would be great for
>plants and have a light balance that would be pleasing to the eye? I >realize that some
>combination might be my best bet.
>3) Would any ballast with a power factor > 1 or 1.1 be fine?
>Much thanks.
>- -- Stephen