Brian Moyer said:

Hi Greg,

I currently have an idle 30 long I'd like to set up as a planted tank.
With the width of your reflector I could only get 2 30W T12s over the
tank. Is this what you have on your 29? Does the added efficiency of
the reflector design make up for the (relatively) low WPG? I'm just
trying to decide between 2 really efficiently reflected bulbs or 3 or
4 that are just crammed in there.

Thanks for your time.

Hi Brian,

I don't use T-12 bulbs anymore - and only have a few left over from
'the old days'. I use T-8 bulbs exclusively - they are more
efficient, contain less mercury, last longer, require smaller
reflectors, and most are tri-phosphor. It is easy to get REAL
electronic ballasts to match - not some blister packed CL crap.

I don't recall the dimensions of a 30L, so I'm a little unsure of the
width and length.

Unfortunately, a 29Gal tank measures 30.25 x 12.5" - a really bad size
for lighting purposes. American fluorescent bulbs come in nominal
lengths of 24", 36", and 48". You could stagger 24" 20W bulbs, at a
loss of lighting at the sides.

See my later post for a dual T-8 reflector. This was designed for a
29 gal tank using 4 tubes total. I am using 4 x 30" nominal (29.75")
T-8 25W tubes. These are German and only available from Zoo-Med.
Big Al's has the Freshwater types on sale right now. I am driving
them with a GE UltraMAX electronic ballast.

Ballast x1 - $27.00 - GE UltraMAX
Bulbs x2 - $4.99 - Tropic Sun 30"
Bulbs x2 - $7.99 - Flora Sun 30"

Total Cost - $52.96

I generally avoid 'aquarium bulbs" because of the ridiculous cost, but
made an exception this time, as they aren't too badly priced. I just
hope they don't discontinue the 30" models next month. :-|


Greg G.