Luminaires

[OohFeeshy]

When/if I get round to replacing my 2ft, I'm hoping to make it a bit more shiny and modern by having a luminaire. The tank itself will be either 24 or 30 inches, which doesn't seem to be a problem as most look like they can expand to cover both ends of the range. While at the moment I'm not intending on having any plants other than crypts, I'd like the option to be there for the future- i.e, bright enough for a moderately lt planted tank. The main constraint is budget; they ain't cheap.

I've been doing some research, here's my findings so far-

Arcadia Classica T8- markets for around £88, bulbs included. Has 2x 15W T8s.

Hagen Glo T5- there's a double 24W tube version for around 66, and a single 24W tube version for about 55, but neither includes bulbs.

Er... That's about it at the moment. All the other units I've found are out of my price range. From my basic knowledge T8 bulbs seem to be cheaper and easier to find than T5 bulbs. I reckon the 2x24W one is a bit of an overkill, so out of what I've found I'm possibly more tempted by the single bulb Hagen one.

Does anyone else have any input into other models?

 

[aaronnorth]

try ebay, you can get one for about £30 bidding if your lucky. My 4ft (2 x 54w T5) cost me £100 buy it now. Works fine. I think it is EQJ trading.
For tubes, try lamspecs as they are only a couple of quid. Here is some comparisons:

http/www.theplantedtank.co.uk/lighting.htm

 

[three-fingers]

LFS I work at has 80cm 2x 25W T8 luminaires made by Betta for £40. They come with tubes and I have two Betta twin T8 150cm units which are the same but longer, they are fantastic value and I'd say they are just as reliable as the Arcadia units.

Here's the link: http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/BETTA-T8-LIGHT-UNIT-80CM-2X25W_W0QQitemZ390108360352QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Pet_Supplies_Fish?hash=item5ad4452ea0

I used an Arcadia 2 x 25W T8 luminaire on my 30" tank without CO2 easily enough (I added CO2 later to speed things up though).

While the Arcadia units look a little nicer (well, the old style ones do IMO), I don't think I can justify paying over twice the price for the same specs again. At the end of they day the only thing that can go wrong really is one of the ballasts breaking, which are cheap and easy to replace.

So I would either look for a second hand Arcadia or Hagen (I'm not a huge fan of these, tubes are very close together) unit, or go for a EQJ trading/Betta unit.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Oh, that's not too bad, although I can't see any arms in the photo..?

Can you run it with just one bulb/only turn one on? The initial tank setup will probably be a continuation of my Asian biotope and 50w is pretty extortionate for a few crypts.

Edit- although, 80cm? If the tank is 60, it'll be too big?

 

[aaronnorth]

Oh, that's not too bad, although I can't see any arms in the photo..?

Can you run it with just one bulb/only turn one on? The initial tank setup will probably be a continuation of my Asian biotope and 50w is pretty extortionate for a few crypts.

Edit- although, 80cm? If the tank is 60, it'll be too big?

The legs slide along, 80cm is the max, you can put it on a 20cm tank if you like, you will just have overhang either side!!

Most double tubed luminaires run of one switch. When you get to 4 tubes then there is 2 switches. If you are any good at electrics then i am sure you can split it somehow,

the easy way out is to cover one tube with a piece of cardboard...

 

[OohFeeshy]

Bit of a fire hazard, especially since I won't be there for 6 weeks or so at a time.

At the minute I'm thinking the Hagen single 24W. That's still way more than I've got now (15W), especially if there's a reflector/I add one in. Not too pricy, quite nice looking.