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	So whats brighter?
bonny Ultimate Fish Guru Engineer in waiting Posts: 3121 Kudos: 498 Votes: 7 Registered: 09-Mar-2003	I went to my LFS to get a new bulb for my 55g. I accidentally bought the 42" bulb instead of the 48" bulbs that are in there already. I decided to try it anyway and it did start and everything so i decided to leave it. But what's puzzling me is that the 42" bulb is 40w and the 48" ones are only 36w, so which one will output more light?
Posted 16-Jul-2006 23:39
poisonwaffle Mega Fish Posts: 1397 Kudos: 591 Registered: 11-Feb-2003	48" lights should put out 40w... NO flourescent lights put out 10w per 12". Thus, an 18" bulb is 15w, 24" is 20w, 36" is 30w 48" is 40w, etc... I think you've got some numbers mixed up... either that or you've got HO bulbs instead of NO or something like that...
Posted 17-Jul-2006 01:50
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, Tell us the brand and labeling on each as well as the diameter so that we can look them up in charts. With only the information you gave us, we all would only be venturing guesses. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 17-Jul-2006 03:42
Fallout Moderator Communications Specialist Posts: 6416 Kudos: 4053 Votes: 742 Registered: 29-Jul-2000	Yea, some home/shop 48"ers only put out 36 watts. Higher quality aftermarket bulbs will put out more.
Posted 17-Jul-2006 06:49
bonny Ultimate Fish Guru Engineer in waiting Posts: 3121 Kudos: 498 Votes: 7 Registered: 09-Mar-2003	yeah the new 42" bulb is a hagen powerglo and the other 48" bulbs are just unbranded "daytime" flourescent tubes.
Posted 17-Jul-2006 21:06
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi, Using the data you gave me, here is a chart for the Hagen bulbs: http://www.aquatics-warehouse.co.uk/acatalog/5931_BIG.JPG In looking at the chart it appears that the bulb you mentioned is an 18,000K bulb suitable for saltwater reef tanks, but, IMO not ideal for standard freshwater tanks. Generally speaking, bulbs marked DAYLIGHT or DAYTIME, as opposed to warm or warm white bulbs, are rated at 6700K and are usually ideal for the standard freshwater planted tank. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 19-Jul-2006 01:03
bonny Ultimate Fish Guru Engineer in waiting Posts: 3121 Kudos: 498 Votes: 7 Registered: 09-Mar-2003	Yeah when i got it back i thought it was a bit high in the K rating, but it was the one that the guy in the LFS recommended to me, and it does say on the box that it promotes plant growth. Geusse I'll leave it in there for a bit and see how my plants do with it
Posted 19-Jul-2006 01:23
FRANK Moderator Posts: 5108 Kudos: 5263 Votes: 1690 Registered: 28-Dec-2002	Hi Bonny, The plants will grow. You might find it a bit harsh as far as glare is concerned and, you might also find that the greens are a bit duller than if you were using a lower "K" rated bulb. Generally speaking the higher K rated bulbs are more expensive and really not necessary in a standard planted tank. A 6700K rated bulb of that size is available from any local hardware store and is usually sold as a DAYLIGHT or SUNLIGHT bulb. Frank -->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--
Posted 19-Jul-2006 06:05
bonny Ultimate Fish Guru Engineer in waiting Posts: 3121 Kudos: 498 Votes: 7 Registered: 09-Mar-2003	Not really noticed any difference in the quality of light, but that's probably due to the other 2 48" daylight bulbs that are in there that are offsetting it. Think i'll just get another 2 of these bulbs, especially seeing as I can't afford 2 more hagen ones lol.
Posted 19-Jul-2006 10:13


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