FL Light Types

[liam]

Hi,

Just how many types of FL is there in the market? Understand that there's sunlight, daylight, then there are those which are pinkish and white as well.

Wanna know before I go buy one later. Thanks.

Rgds

[PeterGwee]

There's no need to get those branded light tubes such as those marketed as "tropical sun light" and etc. Get those normal FL daylight tubes if you are going the FL way. For PL (pack more power in less space) go for 5000K-8500K.

[liam]

actually i have 2 x 36W PL already. Prolly enough for low light plants for my 3 footer...but eventually will grow glosso so i am thinking another 2 x 25W FL making a total of 122W/41 gallons. Hence, 3W per gallon.

Then shopowner said the FL were pinkish in colour - then i was like wondering what he was referring to ??? thot all FL are white...

anyways, it shouldn't matter if the FL light is more pinkish or whatever colour so long as I meet my 3W per gallon, right?

[tawauboy]

normally white light or daylight tubes are used.
the colour temperature will be about 6500K.
just look 'daylight' on the tubes

pinkish tubes will render wierd colours on the plants making them unnatural.

[liam]

ok. Daylight it is then.

Thanks.

[liam]

I am buying Atman lighthood 3 footer. The FL tube is 2.5 feet in length. Was recommended Arcadia at $20 x 2.

Is it difficult to get 2.5 feet FL light in Singapore? Understand it is not common length.

[tawauboy]

common fl tubes are 2' 3' and 4'.
don't think you can find any 2.5' fl around unless specialised tubes at 'specialised' prices.
can try to diy your own or ask some lfs to customise for you.

[liam]

looks like i have to settle for a 3 footer hood with 2 feet FL or get the more expensive specialised FL for specialised shops. And 3 footer FL would never fit a 3 footer tank cos there wouldn't be any space left to hold FL tube.

So, I gather that it does not matter if I have 2 feet or 2.5 feet FL tubes as long as they are 25W x 2 . (I have 72W PL already)

In a nutshell, length of tube does not matter as long as wattage is correct?

[PeterGwee]

Coverage of the entire area is important as well...imagine planting high light plants at both ends of the tank where the light is weak due to poor coverage. You can try staggered placement of PL (due to design might be a bit short to cover the entire length of your tank) or use low light plants where light is weak.

[liam]

Thanks.