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Re: Compact Fluorescent Question
> ------------------------------
>
> Date: Wed, 16 May 2001 20:15:29 -0300
> From: cheapo at ns_sympatico.ca (Matthew Jarsky)
> Subject: Compact Fluorescent Question
>
> Hello:
>
> I have just set up a new 10 gal tank. The tank was given to me with the
> usual crummy 2x 25W incandescent setup. I am planning to convert it to
> compact fluorescent. After visiting a few websites (Sylvania & Philips, to
> be precise). I am thinking of either a single Sylvania FT36-DL (or
> equivalent form another manufacturer) or 2 Philips PL-S 13W.
> The Sylvania is a 16² long single-ended fixture (2900 lumens, 82 CRI) w/ the
> following colour temps. Available: 3000, 3500, 4100. The Philips is a 7²
> long twin-tube compact fluorescent (825 lumens, also 82 CRI), available in
> the temps mentioned above plus 2700 and 5000.
>
> I like the simplicity of one tube but are any of the available colour temps
> appropriate? Also, that tube is probably expensive and harder to find...) Is
> 2900 lumens too much? The 7² tubes are no doubt cheaper and have the greater
> number of options. Also, with 2, I could mix colour temps, if required.
> Would of the listıs lighting experts care to offer their advice?
>
For the best colors, use anything above 4000K and CRI above 80. Most find
5000K pleasing, but some like the bluer (harsher to me) 6500K. Lower color
temps are often too "warm" (i.e., yellowish or orange) to make plants and
fish look their very best, IMHO.
You are worried about lumens without looking at the most critical part of
the conversion -- the design, hence efficiency, of the reflector system.
For a 10G, I would go with AH Supply's 1x13w Deluxe Bright kit to convert a
hood to CF (if it can be made to fit). They have good lamps available to go
with the kit. Use two of the deluxe kits if you want a really bright tank,
but remember that the reflector gives something like a 160% boost over a
normal lamp in a normal housing. That means a lot more light with less heat,
which is important for smaller tanks.
http://ahsupply.com/index.html has a lot of good stuff to read before you
make your final choices.
Wright
--
Wright Huntley, Fremont CA, USA, 510 494-8679 huntley1 at home_com
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed -- and
thus clamorous to be led to safety -- by menacing it with an endless series
of hobglobins, all of them imaginary." -- H.L. Mencken
http://environmental.networkroom.com/