Compact fluorescent

miamireefnoob · 12/28/2014, 10:35 AM

I have two 96 watt compact fluorescents and two 36 watt on a 100 gallon tank, is this enough lighting? are compact fluorescent a good way to go? what are the pros and cons?

thegrun · 12/28/2014, 11:00 AM

Enough lighting for what? For a fish only tank they are fine, but that lighting will only support corals that required very little light. Compact florescent lighting is the least efficient of the lighting options available, producing less light per watt than metal halide, T-5 florescent or LED lighting.

miamireefnoob · 12/28/2014, 01:16 PM

how many watts per gallon should I aim for if I want an lps coral and fish tank

Stackemdeep · 12/28/2014, 01:32 PM

What are your dimensions? It is better to look at saturation based upon area than watts per gallon. LPS and Fish only may be lit by LED, MH or T5. All excellent choices and if you want to get a chair and some popcorn, just ask which one is best.

What look do you prefer? If you like "shimmer" then you would choose LED or MH. If you do not like shimmer then T5 is your choice.

miamireefnoob · 12/28/2014, 01:49 PM

To be honest I am looking for the cheapest option for now, the tank I bought came with compact fluorescent so I am looking for a fixture that I can make rather than buy at my LFS because nothing there is under 400 as far as fixtures go. The dimensions are 4ft by 23 in by 18 in.

Stackemdeep · 12/28/2014, 02:01 PM

If cheapest is your goal and you are considering the cost of replacing bulbs then a 32" full spectrum chinese LED will grow LPS coral just fine and not kill your power bill. However, getting a used MH or T5 fixture is also inexpensive and with some new bulbs you are able to save a lot of money. If making your own is the way you want to go and you are handy in building things, then a great option is to buy the T5 "retro kits" available at vendors such as BRS. They come with the right HEP ballast that will drive ATI bulbs and a 4 bulb 54w will do the trick. Half the price of a new fixture.

miamireefnoob · 12/28/2014, 05:22 PM

Thanks I will check out those options I am probably leaning towards something like a used LED now that I have seen they are not that expensive on the internet. Although between LED and MH what is the pros and cons? Im bringing out the popcorn.

Stackemdeep · 12/28/2014, 07:53 PM

I have used them both. MH is a great solution and will grow everything including sps. However they run hot and depending on your mounting and air movement may require the use of a chiller. LED has brought a lot of companies into the market and unfortunately a lot of them are not what they claim to be. Ocean Revive, Evergrow and Reefbreeders are examples of inexpensive Chinese production that will work and that can be trusted. Skepticism is advised when looking at "reef lights" on ebay. A lot of quality LED lighting is available on the used market from sps coral enthusiasts who have had shadowing and base discoloration issues and do not want to supplement with T5. I do not engage in the debate threads because they literally do not end and I have seen folks get downright recalcitrant in their positions. You can find such discussions in the equipment forum.

One fish · 12/29/2014, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miamireefnoob

To be honest I am looking for the cheapest option for now, the tank I bought came with compact fluorescent so I am looking for a fixture that I can make rather than buy at my LFS because nothing there is under 400 as far as fixtures go. The dimensions are 4ft by 23 in by 18 in.

Why don't you go to petco. Their fluval leds are 50 percent off. Nowhere close to 400

12/28/2014, 10:35 AM	#1
miamireefnoob Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 12	Compact fluorescent I have two 96 watt compact fluorescents and two 36 watt on a 100 gallon tank, is this enough lighting? are compact fluorescent a good way to go? what are the pros and cons?

12/28/2014, 01:16 PM	#3
miamireefnoob Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 12	how many watts per gallon should I aim for if I want an lps coral and fish tank Last edited by miamireefnoob; 12/28/2014 at 01:50 PM.

12/28/2014, 01:32 PM	#4
Stackemdeep Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Carolina Beach NC Posts: 429	What are your dimensions? It is better to look at saturation based upon area than watts per gallon. LPS and Fish only may be lit by LED, MH or T5. All excellent choices and if you want to get a chair and some popcorn, just ask which one is best. What look do you prefer? If you like "shimmer" then you would choose LED or MH. If you do not like shimmer then T5 is your choice. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: 120g SPS tank

12/28/2014, 02:01 PM	#6
Stackemdeep Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Carolina Beach NC Posts: 429	If cheapest is your goal and you are considering the cost of replacing bulbs then a 32" full spectrum chinese LED will grow LPS coral just fine and not kill your power bill. However, getting a used MH or T5 fixture is also inexpensive and with some new bulbs you are able to save a lot of money. If making your own is the way you want to go and you are handy in building things, then a great option is to buy the T5 "retro kits" available at vendors such as BRS. They come with the right HEP ballast that will drive ATI bulbs and a 4 bulb 54w will do the trick. Half the price of a new fixture. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: 120g SPS tank

12/28/2014, 07:53 PM	#8
Stackemdeep Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Carolina Beach NC Posts: 429	I have used them both. MH is a great solution and will grow everything including sps. However they run hot and depending on your mounting and air movement may require the use of a chiller. LED has brought a lot of companies into the market and unfortunately a lot of them are not what they claim to be. Ocean Revive, Evergrow and Reefbreeders are examples of inexpensive Chinese production that will work and that can be trusted. Skepticism is advised when looking at "reef lights" on ebay. A lot of quality LED lighting is available on the used market from sps coral enthusiasts who have had shadowing and base discoloration issues and do not want to supplement with T5. I do not engage in the debate threads because they literally do not end and I have seen folks get downright recalcitrant in their positions. You can find such discussions in the equipment forum. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: 120g SPS tank

12/28/2014, 11:00 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Enough lighting for what? For a fish only tank they are fine, but that lighting will only support corals that required very little light. Compact florescent lighting is the least efficient of the lighting options available, producing less light per watt than metal halide, T-5 florescent or LED lighting.

12/28/2014, 01:49 PM	#5
miamireefnoob Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 12	To be honest I am looking for the cheapest option for now, the tank I bought came with compact fluorescent so I am looking for a fixture that I can make rather than buy at my LFS because nothing there is under 400 as far as fixtures go. The dimensions are 4ft by 23 in by 18 in.

12/28/2014, 05:22 PM	#7
miamireefnoob Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Posts: 12	Thanks I will check out those options I am probably leaning towards something like a used LED now that I have seen they are not that expensive on the internet. Although between LED and MH what is the pros and cons? Im bringing out the popcorn.