[APD] Spiral and multiple-tube small fluorescents.

[Wright Huntley <jwwiii at pacbell_net>]

Don't bother.

I have used many kinds of small fluorescent tubes over aquaria, and the 
ones I will never buy again have either a spiral tube or two or three 
"U"-tubes mounted side by side (or in a triangle).

The spiral tubes don't last more than a month or two in a hood, turning 
quite black and dim. They often produce huge electrical noise that jams 
radios and any X-10-Type controllers you are using.

Those and the multi-u-tubes are shining most of their light back on 
themselves, so are much less efficient than a single straight tube or 
even a single "U" tube. It is nearly impossible to improve their output 
much with any kind of reflector, as that just increases the "restrike" 
energy. Single "U" tube and straight-tube lamps have a little restrike, 
but the reflector efficiency can be many times higher that with those 
systems scrunched to fit in the space of a normal incandescent bulb.

Final word: Don't buy spiral tube fluorescents for lighting a tank. It's 
a waste of good money. Get Brite Kits from AH Supply.

Wright

--
Wright Huntley -- 760 872-3995 -- Rt. 001 Box K36, Bishop CA 93514

           Mencken's maxim—every election is a sort
             of advanced auction of stolen goods.



_______________________________________________
Aquatic-Plants mailing list
Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com
http://www.actwin.com/mailman/listinfo.cgi/aquatic-plants