Fluorescent vs Incandescent

[crazywolf]

I know Fluorescent Bulbs put out more light than incandescent do. However when using the watt's per gallon rule how does this work. For example I bought a 48" shop light to hang over my 33US long tank. The light uses 2 40W bulbs. It says each bulb puts ot the same amount of light that a 175W incandescent bulb does. So does this mean I have about 350W's or 10.6 watt's per gallon or does it mean I have 80W's or 2.4 watt's per gallon or somewhere in the middle about 5 watt's per gallon. Thanks in advance for the help. I want to grow nice plant's but need to figure this out to make sure I add enough light.


Justin

 

[Stryker]

What is more important is the part of the colour spectrum that the incandescent bulbs put out. They will probably be way off that of the aquarium plant grow flourscent bulbs.

Sorry if you've already thought of that.

 

[crazywolf]

Don't be sorry it's a good point. I'm not sure I've even seen it listed on the Incandecent lights. I know the bulbs I got are 6700. They also have a wide spectrum version that is less concentrated in the area where photosynthesis happens. I hooked it all up last night and it looks very good now. We will have to wait and see how the plants grow. I would still like opinions on this thread though.


Justin