im switching to CF

[kenneth_kpe]

well im switching from tubes to CF's bulbs, anybody got tips? are they different in a big way ? im not really good with lights

or should i stick with fluorescent tubes ?

im kinda having a hard time looking for a good CF's bulb for planted tanks... i found one but its the CF withtout the err ? electronic thingamajig? or its the one wihtout the built in ballast in it ? how to you connect this ?


im getting confused now

 

[Lateral Line]

The CF's without built in ballasts need to be connected to a special holder which includes the electronic starter.

Generally, most CF's sold for domestic purposes have a very low CT, typically 2700K. You can get CF's in the 5500K - 6500K range, which is what you need for planted tanks - just be sure to get the right type.

 

[kenneth_kpe]

oic, i should just aim for the 5,500 - 6,500K CF's i found one actually and i might get that one, Osram/sylvania lumilux de lux CF thats pin type... im gonna try that one

so basically normal fluorescent bulbs dont have a huge advantage overs CF's ?

 

[enchanted]

If ahsupply.com will ship over seas I would recommend their setup.

For planted tanks you want 6700K Bulbs. The way I would recommend doing it is first find yourself the ballast of your choice w/ end caps (preferably one with an electronic starter). Then, based off the end caps, you can purchase your bulbs. There are straight pin and square pin bulbs which is why you need to choose the ballast w/ end caps first.

 

[Lateral Line]

The light from a standard fluorescent lamp extends the length of the aquarium while a CF is concentrated in one place - this can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the situation.

Possibly of more significance for you personally, and people that live in hot countries generally, is that with regular fluorescent lamps, the ballast/starter can be outside of the hood. CF's, both types, necessarily have the electronics inside the hood which can increase overheating problems, although good quality electronic starters are vastly more efficient and do not get particulaly hot these days. The electronics in the hood also takes up space which can cause problems for some people.

Other then that, I don't really see much difference between them. Just make sure whatever you get is suitable for at least damp conditions and is not going to explode in a shower of sparks if it gets accidently splashed.

 

[kenneth_kpe]

ic ic, im gonna try using the screw in CF's with daylight rating ( around 6,500 K) im not sure about their CRI ( do i really have to worry a lot about it ? ). im gonna hang above my tank using a housing that people use for their houses.

basically its somthing like this

---------------------------------------
|....|..|..........|..|.........|..|..........|
|../.CF.\......./CF.\....../CF.\.........|
|..|......|......|......|.....|......|........|
|...-----........------......-----..........|
---------------------------------------
|.......................im.a.fish............|
|....................../........................|
|..........X=oooD.........................|
|..........aquarium........................|
|...............................................|
---------------------------------------

haha i have too much spare time.. im not gonna enclose the lights tho, just hang it via a custom made steel frame or something i hope it doesn't focus the light too much