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	Energy Saver Florescent Lights??
mughal113 Big Fish Posts: 343 Kudos: 160 Votes: 64 Registered: 16-Jun-2006	Hi every one, Got a quick question. Are energy saver Florescent bulbs good for aquariums? I have been using one in my 15g planted tank and all of the plants are going well. But thing that bugs me is the recommended watts/g rating. The bulb is only 11w but its light is rated to be equivalent to a 55W incandescent. The heat produced by incandescent bulb uses 95% of the electricity power and only 5% goes to the light. The one I am using doesnt get too hot. thanks is advance
Posted 19-Jul-2006 16:17
bonny Ultimate Fish Guru Engineer in waiting Posts: 3121 Kudos: 498 Votes: 7 Registered: 09-Mar-2003	If the bulb is marked up as "daytime" or "daylight" then it will probably be suitable for a planted tank. Even tho it's only 11w it's still putting out a decent amount of light, especially for that sized tank. Energy saving bulbs i believe are PC flourescent bulbs which are even more efficient than normal flourescent bulbs. If you're plants are doing fine then i'd just leave it as it is for now.
Posted 19-Jul-2006 16:52
Budzilla Enthusiast Posts: 288 Kudos: 197 Votes: 90 Registered: 18-Jul-2006	I have a 17 watt energy saving flourescent light on mine for a week now and the plants don't seem to mind. -Vincent
Posted 19-Jul-2006 17:34
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	If it is for general household useage it will be totally useless. Planted aquariums require the correct type made for that purpose. You "can" get away with household lighting if it is for fish only but many of these lights will not show the tank and fish off their best. *Have a look in [link=My Profile] http://www.fishprofiles.com/forums/member.aspx?id=1935[/link] for my tank info* Look here for my Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tank Photos Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 20-Jul-2006 03:35
Sideburns Dave Enthusiast Posts: 168 Kudos: 105 Votes: 21 Registered: 29-Aug-2003	you can get the "Life Glo" in a compacet bulb in many more shops now, they work better than a household bulb and MUCH better than incandescent
Posted 21-Jul-2006 00:19
mughal113 Big Fish Posts: 343 Kudos: 160 Votes: 64 Registered: 16-Jun-2006	thanks everybody. The bulbs are daylight and the plants dont seem to mind them at all.
Posted 23-Jul-2006 09:14
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, When choosing a screw-in flourscent bulb replacement, I would always use one that is labeled DAYLIGHT or SUNLIGHT. They are rated at 6700K and are ideal for plants and fish. The "warm" or "cool" or "glow" labeled bulbs are for replacing reading lamp bulbs and do not contain the harsh glare that the other two do. They are designed for reading and protect the eyes. They are not what you would want. In an aquarium, you want so simulate the sun, not sit in the tank and read. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 23-Jul-2006 16:03


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