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Hi everyone, I was just searching for some cheap ways to get a decent light level for my new 10G as it only comes with one small tube grrr) and stumbled across these...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=42214&item=4381238110

Is there any reason why these type of lights would not be suitable for planted aquaria? The colour temperature appears to be in the correct range, is there any other parameters I should be considering?

I realise that this light would probably blind everything in the 10G and would not be a good idea but for anyone with a bigger tank could this be a cheap way of getting very high wattage lights? They also sell 200W versions and reflectors to put them in.

Sounds pretty neat... but could your fixture handle it?

hey fallout, thanks for the reply. Do you mean is my hood mechanically up to the job of supporting it? I'm sorry I don't really get what you mean.

Yea, that's what i mean.. it didn't give the actual power usage on the ebay site. I didn't visit their homepage tho.

I'm interested to see if the 125 watts is just it's output, wich most flourescent lamps are.

if you can find the actual consumption figures, please post.

Hi,
As I recall most 10G tanks come with a screw-in,
incandescent light bulb.
The easiest, and least expensive way to light
them is to simply go to the nearest hardware store and
purchase a screw-in, flourscent bulb. These are power
compact bulbs and, if you purchase the ones labeled
DAYLIGHT or SUNLIGHT, not warm or cool white, they will be
rated at 6700K which is perfect for looking at the fish,
and growing plants.

I believe the hydroponic lights are designed
for terrestrial plants and are not optimum for
aquarium use.

Frank

Last edited by FRANK at 24-May-2005 15:51

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Right I've been doing a little more research about these envirolites and the quoted 125W is the power consumption, not the usable output. I believe this translates to approximately 625 watts usable output.

My hood is actually not designed for incandescents it just has 1 x 15watt standard tube which I am going to leave in place. I have just wired a plug with cable to a standard ES lamp holder and am going to adapt my hood to fit it (there appears to be ample space).

I am unsure what you mean about hydroponics lights being unsuitable for aquarium purposes? I am no expert in biology especially in relation to aquatic plants but I am unaware of any large differences in specturum usage for photosynthesis in comparison to terrestrial plants.

As for light penetration in water surely the depth of water in a 10gallon (no more than 35cm) is not enough to significantly filter the spectrum? Even the lowest energy red light penetrates to depths of approximately 5m and most plants require the low end of the visible spectrum (blue light) to photosynthesise.

The envirolites give substantially higher lumen readings than typical CFL daylight tubes. Personally they will be far to powerful for my 10G but I'm sure these could be very useful in larger aquariums.