Lights for a planted tank

[GregMa]

I have a question about the lights. I have a 75 gallon and would like
to start adding plants. I can get either T12 dual shoplights, or T8
dual shoplights for $7 a piece. Each T12 is 40 watts so, for 3
shoplights that would provide 240 watts, which is a little over 3 watts
per gallon. But the T8's are only 32 watts each which would only be 192
watts or about 2 1/2 watts per gallon. I've also seen fewer variety of
bulbs for the T8's. Which would you prefer?

Thanks!
Greg

[JJOPP]

Greg,

T8's put out more light per watt, use less energy and last longer. May I ask
where you found the T8 fixtures? If I redo my 55g, I'd switch to the T8's
based on the research I've done. Side by side I'd expect a 32 watt T8 to be
brighter than a 40 watt T12.

JJ

[Rex Grigg]

On 08 Apr 2003 21:42:21 GMT, (JJOPP) wrote:

I have seen a couple of different T8 fixtures at the BORG (Big
Orange Retail Giant).

>Greg,
>
>T8's put out more light per watt, use less energy and last longer. May I ask
>where you found the T8 fixtures? If I redo my 55g, I'd switch to the T8's
>based on the research I've done. Side by side I'd expect a 32 watt T8 to be
>brighter than a 40 watt T12.
>
>JJ


Semper Fi!

Visit the forums at Aqua Botanic!
http://aquabotanicwetthumb.infopop.cc/#1

Need Nitrate or Potassium for your tank? Go to www.litemanu.com
(Just a happy customer of the above!)

[Rex Grigg]

On Tue, 08 Apr 2003 21:08:17 GMT, GregMa
> wrote:

Well since you asked....... Do yourself a favor and just go to
www.ahsupply.com and get some 55 watt PC kits. I had a 55 gallon with
two shop lights over it. Should be 3 watts per gallon. But due to
the poor design of the so called reflectors on the shop lights I was
barely getting 1.5 watts into the tank. I got more useable light out
of two 55 watt CF lights and the AH Supply reflectors than the shop
lights gave me. I now have 220 watts of AH Supply sunlight over my 55
gallon tank. And things are going great.

>I have a question about the lights. I have a 75 gallon and would like
>to start adding plants. I can get either T12 dual shoplights, or T8
>dual shoplights for $7 a piece. Each T12 is 40 watts so, for 3
>shoplights that would provide 240 watts, which is a little over 3 watts
>per gallon. But the T8's are only 32 watts each which would only be 192
>watts or about 2 1/2 watts per gallon. I've also seen fewer variety of
>bulbs for the T8's. Which would you prefer?
>
>Thanks!
>Greg


Semper Fi!

Visit the forums at Aqua Botanic!
http://aquabotanicwetthumb.infopop.cc/#1

Need Nitrate or Potassium for your tank? Go to www.litemanu.com
(Just a happy customer of the above!)