Home lighting

[vinz]

Last night I DIY modified my six foot lights to 6x36W PL...

Now I don't need to turn on my living room lights. Its brighter with the six foot tank lights on plus another 6x36W from my other 2 tanks... LOL []

And I'll be modifying one more set to 6x36W this weekend... []

[Simon]

ya, ever since I setup on 6ft.. we only switched on the main lights when we reading at nite

[bigjohnstud]

Hi vinz and simon,

Can I ask you a question? The PLs that you use are the 36watts, abt 1 ft long type right? Can one also use those shorter PL bulbs (eg Philips Genie, which does not require a ballast or starter to work)? Do they work as well as those PL tubes that you use? Please enlighten. Thanks!

BigJohnStud

[benetay]

Vin i totally agree with you, my 2MH are blasting at night, no lights on required unless reading or studying.

[Simon]

john, u mean those with a screw tread?, I tried that with a 1ft tank is is fine, but I dun think it works for bigger tanks

[bigjohnstud]

Hi Simon, I actually connected 2x18 watts of those PL bulbs in parallel plus 1x30W FL for my 3.5ft x 1ft x 1ft tank. I wonder whether this is sufficient. I think cost wise it is still cheaper than to DIY 2 x 36W PL as you also need to get the e-ballast.

BigJohnStud

[vinz]

Don't see why they wouldn't work. The only disadvantages I can think of are the thickness of the bulbs and the lack of length (and hence coverage). I think as long as you meet the Watts per Gallon guideline, you shouldn't have a problem.

[sherchoo]

Vinz has it right on the dot. Those self ballasted bulbs are designed to replace incandescent bulbs. They are supposed to be fitted on to lamp holders and coverage of lighting is very poor compared to PL tubes.

[Simon]

those bulb good for pendant method, if u laid it horizontally, I think u cant give enuff coverage to the whole tank... thats y it isnt practically... but if u have a small tank 1.5ft.. yes, it will give the coverage... the lighting calculation is watts per gal, but in some cases, meeting that requirement but no using the correct lighting isnt gotta work

if u realise that kinda PL with the inbuilt works and look like a normal bulb, I have seen some oversea setup with it and I really think its not a good idea, furthermore is isnt cheap

[bigjohnstud]

I think you people are right. I do notice the limited coverage provided by these PL bulbs. The only attractive part is the relative simplicity in setting up as no ballasts or starters are required. But to get good coverage, I need to line up a few bulbs horizontally. But I must say that the uneven brightness created along the tank does make the tank look longer and more natural. Just my personal observation.

Thanks all for your comments!