CFL (Compact Fluros)

whiteymoza · Post by **whiteymoza** » 10 May 2006, 17:34

Do you think that CLF (Compact Flourecent lights/High efficency lightbulbs) are sutible for use on a planted tank, Im currently using 2x 20w bulbs over a small 10g (uk Gallon) tank.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 10 May 2006, 20:25

There are light bulbs that screw into existing 10 gallon incandescent fixtures. Some folks consider these high efficiency lights. There are also the fixtures that come in many sizes. These are also called compact fluourescent or high efficienct lights. I didn't have much luck with the compact fixture on a 10 gallon tank. The light was a bit too strong. Also, the fixture only came with 10,000k bulbs, in the 10 gallon size(probably for nanoreefs). But, I have a 48" fixture on a 75 gallon tank and it's fantastic! Has anybody had success with these lights on smaller tanks?
Amanda

WhitePine · Post by **WhitePine** » 10 May 2006, 20:26

I run cf on most of my tank. You probaly don't need them on your 10g as it is pretty small and not very deep. The cf really help when the tank is deeper then 18". Plus they throw off a lot more heat than regular Floresent bulbs. It also looks like you already have about 40 watts of light over this tank which should be great for most plants(as long as they are not incandesent bulb... you might want to change them to the screw in cf then). Are you running co2? That is the next step that will really make your plants grow.

I run screw in Cf bulbs over my shrimp tanks... and grow tons of moss and ferns along with othe stem plants.

whiteymoza · Post by **whiteymoza** » 11 May 2006, 11:30

Im using two bayonet type CFLs shop broght from a normal hardware store the light given off seems to be a mainly yellow hue. Im using yeast fermetion type c02 its a long bowfronted type of tank with Adrain pipe reflector. Im using rain water at the moment as most plants prefer softer water. the talk is currently unfiltered and im having a problem with brown hair algae and normal green algae on the glass but regular cleaning and the soom to get amano shrimps and filter should hopefully take care of that problem.

whiteymoza · Post by **whiteymoza** » 11 May 2006, 16:08

The lights in question (In action)

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/w ... C00267.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/w ... C00268.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/w ... C00269.jpg

Since taking these pictures the tank is much more heavilly planted, a c02 has been installed and the curtains have been closed, altough there doesnt seem to have been any plant growth.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 11 May 2006, 20:59

Whitey,
That's the incandescent type, but the bulb is often referred to as "compact fluourescent." I believe All-Glass and Coralife make bulbs for this type of fixture. Any problems with the natural light?
Amanda

whiteymoza · Post by **whiteymoza** » 11 May 2006, 22:20

Do you have any pictures of these bulbs in action.. the plants seem to be happy and are photosynthisisng and a rapid rate (constant stream of oxegen bubbles) but It could be better there doesnt seem to be much growth.

WhitePine · Post by **WhitePine** » 12 May 2006, 02:41

I have similar bulbs over my shrimp tank. The color temp of the bulb is probaly around 3500k which is a little low... most plant bulbs are around 6700k or 10000k. the 10k is really white while the 67 is still a little yellowish.

Check out http://www.plantedtank.net for more light info.

whiteymoza · Post by **whiteymoza** » 12 May 2006, 10:07

these bulbs are 6000k so there pretty close if not a bit yellow. Ive got to get a T5 buld over the weekend which was the origornal lighting but I broke my one and only bulb.

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 13 May 2006, 15:34

Whitey,
<a href='http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/P ... '>These</a> are the bulbs I was using. I'm sorry, but I don't have any photos but the tank looked nice. The fixture I had was used and it broke about 6 months later. I wish I knew where to find another. I really liked it.
Amanda

whiteymoza · Post by **whiteymoza** » 15 May 2006, 09:30

Ok ive sorted it out with a T5 completely re-arranged it, put in an established filter and also some ottos, japonica shrimp and some siamese flying foxes it looks brilliant my best tank to date!

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/w ... A70077.jpg

bronzefry · Post by **bronzefry** » 16 May 2006, 20:21

Keep up the good work!

Amanda

WhitePine · Post by **WhitePine** » 17 May 2006, 05:46

All you need to do is put a background on it and it will look great.