PL vs FL light

[jackwolf]

Hi,

Can someone guide me what's the different between PL & FL light? is it that given the same power consumption, a PL will give stronger light than a FL? eg, does a 18w PL light up better than a 20w FL...?

Thanks.

[tawauboy]

pl is more compact and is shorter in length compared to fl.
fl provides more light than pl of same wattage.

what do you mean by light up better?

[jackwolf]

i mean better output..

i am planning for a simple set-up planted 2 ft tank... would a single 20w FL be sufficient? i would probably put in some moss and java ferns and maybe some low light requirement plant...

[ranmasatome]

FL most of the time is also hotter due to the ballast they use..

[tawauboy]

fl and pl have similar light output characteristics.
if you are looking for specialized aquarium tubes, fl is a better choice.

[williamng]

Given a same tube size, PL can offer a higher wattage than FL.

[yeoyl87]

I will suggest using T5HO if you are using for planted tank. T5HO is cooler and gives better coverage to your tank.

[All@Star]

I will suggest using T5HO if you are using for planted tank. T5HO is cooler and gives better coverage to your tank.

I can fully agree with that. Switch from FL to T5HO a few weeks ago and now my HC can finally grow!

[jackwolf]

Bought a Boyu 36w PL last nite... today bought plant happy happy on the PL... after awhile smell slight burning smell in the room thought its okay... after about 5 hr the PL kapu... wonder what went wrong.... does anyone has same experience? somehow i feel the heatsink of Boyu not good enough for 36w...

[jackwolf]

just went down to the LFS that i bought the Boyu from. The boss said not normal to spoilt so fast and the heat is no normal also.. exchange for a Dymax T5 2x14w with some top-up... the heat generated is so much lesser.... do lesser harm for global warming...

[zenscape]

just went down to the LFS that i bought the Boyu from. The boss said not normal to spoilt so fast and the heat is no normal also.. exchange for a Dymax T5 2x14w with some top-up... the heat generated is so much lesser.... do lesser harm for global warming...

I think it is normal for China or taiwan made lighting sets to get burnt. I had to change 3 sets but no issues with the LFS boss as he knew it was an inherent flaw.

[catohcat]

Is there any T5 lights for 1ft tank?

[blue33]

Is there any T5 lights for 1ft tank?

Hi! U might want to consider getting a FL light set but change the light to Arcadia Tropica plant lamp. It helps when i changed mine. Plants are growing well when i changed it.

Btw anyone using Arcadia lights, is it ok for 3x2x2 ft tank? Thanks!

[fishlipps]

PL Light is brighter, higher frequency (more stable light) and more efficient, due to Electronic ballast. But the PL lights and ballast are more expensive, typically double the price of FL stuff

[blue33]

WOW.... This is suppppppper... old thread, how did you dig it out?

[redmap]

hi,
anyone can help..which model of light is suitable for 3ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft tank.thought of setup a planted tank with crs

[fishlipps]

I am not sure about CRS Shrimp what light is suitable for them, but for planted tank PL light is better but more expensive. Get those 3ft light set with 2 PL lights i think its 24watts each. Make sure the PL Light is "Daylight" colour

[Fuzzy]

hi,
anyone can help..which model of light is suitable for 3ft x 1.5ft x 1.5ft tank.thought of setup a planted tank with crs

It depends on what plants you're keeping and what their light requirements are.

Most likely you would be looking at a 3ft T5 fixture with 3 - 4 tubes.

I doubt a 2x 24w PL is going to be enough unless you aren't trying to grow any light hungry plants.