Best tubes to get

[ChriX]

I've had my current tubes in my tank for a while now so I think they need replacing. I was wondering what were the best to go for for growing plants. I have space for 2 24" tubes. I read somewhere that some tubes reflectors built in? This would be ideal as i'm not sure I have room for a reflector on each.

 

[Lateral Line]

A full spectrum lamp, (5500K - 6500K), is best for plants as it covers the wavelengths absorbed by chlorophyll. After that, it comes down to quality. Cheap lamps have cheap end elctrodes and fade further and faster then quality lamps. That is usually a function of the price. I don't know what brands you have available to you so can't be more specific.

I've heard of lamps with built in reflectors, but I've never seen one. I'm somewhat intruiged by the notion as the lamp itself is not transparent, so I can't quite see how it would work.

 

[ChriX]

Thanks LL. This is a pretty good representation of the lighting supplies I can get hold of. I was considering 2 of the Hagen Life-glo tubes, as they claim to be full sun spectrum.

 

[ChrisP]

Hi, I have been recommended the Interpet Daylight Plus and the Arcadia Freshwater Lamp. Apparently both have very good spectrums ideal for growing plants. You may want to fit some reflectors to go with them to improve the light output!
I have seen both of the above tubes in LFS's so should be easy to get hold of I think they where about 10.99 when I spotted them!

 

[ChriX]

Thanks, I will have a look in some shops for those this week. I need to have a look at a reflector because i'm not sure that there's enough space in my already limited hood to fit them in.