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I'm currently looking into the option of adding some extra light to my tank, as the 1.8 wpg I have right now is not quite reaching as deep as I would like it to.

At the online shop where I usually buy my things they now are selling a a T5 light unit (Interpet T5 Compact lighting starter unit), which fits 54 watts over half a meter. I'm very interested in buying two of these as they are fairly cheap (compared to other options) and I'll be able to refit my hood to get a very nice amount of light over the tank. However, the lamps that are sold with these units do not state the Kelvin range of these lamps. The only information that they state is the following:

The TriPlus light spectrum is based on the light spectrum requirements of corals and plants and also takes into account the light absoption of water. The result is a lamp that concentrates all of ist power output in the areas of the spectrum, which penetrate water and is utilised by plants/corals. This is a unique approach compared to daylight (6500 K colour temperature) imitation lamps, which waste power in unnecessary areas of the spectrum. TriPlus uses Triphosphor technology that gives a bright light with high lumen output and an excellent maintenance of light output. TriPlus remains above 90% of maximum light output for the whole life of the tube (approx. 10,000 h), so no more replacing faded lamps after 6 months. The TriPlus lamp is suitable for all fresh and sea water aquaria.

or, for the other lamp:

The Interpet Daylight Plus is ideal for use in freswater aquariums to stimulate lush plant growth, marine fish aquariums and also invertebrate aquariums to support coral and macroalgae growth. The new broad 4 band lamp technology supplies light requirements for a broader range of plants and corals. The Daylight Plus lamp simulates tropical sunlight conditions, with high lumen output for a bright daylight effect.

Do any of you have experience with these lamps, or better, know what their emission range is? I'd like to have that information before commiting myself to spend a lot of money on these things. I'm looking forward to your replies

Hi,
These bulbs are the typical "Tri-Phosphor" bulbs.
Here is one site:
http://www.malawicichlidhomepage.com/aquainfo/lighting2.html

In this site it shows the typical spectrum graphically
as 9700K CRI of 1A.

These are expensive bulbs and generally speaking you can
gain the equivalent increase by adding bulbs that are
say 8800K to 10,000K to your lighting scheme. The higher
Kelvin rating light will penetrate deeper into the water
and are less expensive.

If you have a multi tube hood that contains several bulbs,
you could simply swap out one or two of the current bulbs
for one or two T-5s that are rated higher.
Too many, and the tank will be brighter, but the blue end
will begin to start to washout the colors.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Excellent link Frank, thank you!

The tri phospor bulbs are a good buy. Got more lumen output (far more critical then spectrum) then normal, they will last longer. Usually the color is quite pleasing.

The second bulb if it does as they describe would be a 6500K bulb. Daylight bulbs typically are in the 6500K range.

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If they sell these with a ballast and individual reflectors and everything, they might be HO(overdriven with a balast) T5's. HO T-5's have a very good PAR (close to MH lighting), and can be quite a bit of light. A lot of people use these to grow some of the highest light needy corals in tanks of up to 2 feet deep. I guess I'm just saying be careful what you get, it might be too much light. 2 HO T-5's stretched over a planted tank would be more than enough to grow just about any plant, given they are HO and have individual reflectors.

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