MH, PL or FL

[Georgeer]

Hi,

Have plans to upgrade to another tank but is considering between these 3 types of lighting.

Can anyone provide a general difference between these 3 lighting types based on these questions below:

1. Power consumption
2. Hardware cost
3. Maintenance interval

Thanks.

[Allen_1971]

It really depends on your tank and your budget. Mebbe you could share a little on the tank, and your budget.

[Georgeer]

PLan to have a 4ft or 5ft tank in the future. Doing research now to outline the budget and setup.

[Allen_1971]

Typically for larger tanks, Metal Halide solutions work out to be the most economical (in the medium/long run). However this depends on the actual system used. If using branded MH lights, like those from Dupla, then it can be a very costly affair. However, some cheap pendant MH lights can be gotten from regular light shops (try balestier road). Also take into mind how the light is mounted. For example, MH lights can be quite heavy, and false ceilings may need to be specially reinforced if you intend to hang them up.

[joe]

What are the things to look for when buying those cheaper MH lights from Balestier? Tinking of going into it when getting a new 5/6ft sometime next year

[Georgeer]

roughly how much is the MH bulb. I know the lights can be cheap but it is the bulb that counts, right?

[Allen_1971]

actually is the bulb which saves you money... assume that one 150W mh bulb cost $40... thats equivalent to 4 4ft FL tubes costing say $5 (Total $20). Then consider that MH has a life of 2years compared to FL which is about 6 months (if you really want the best effect). So every 2 years you spend $40 to replace the bulb, in comparison to $80 in tubes.

Of course this assumes your bulb didn't die prematurely etc....

[joe]

Allen, how about the MH light casings then? I also hears Iwasaki MH 6500k bulbs are quite good. If possible, any recommneded shops in Balestier as that road is full of lighting shops

[Allen_1971]

I can't really recommend shops cuz I've been out of it for a while... Maybe David of DEA might be able to recommend some...

[kadios]

Hi Joe!

Juz to share some personal fact with you, it seems like FLs are not strong enough for a 2 ft deep tank. Considering the fact that regular large tanks are usually 2 ft deep, IMO, it appears to me you are left with only 2 options, PL or MH. Hope it helps!

Cheers!

[pink]

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On 7/18/2003 3:44:36 PM

Allen, how about the MH light casings then? I also hears Iwasaki MH 6500k bulbs are quite good. If possible, any recommneded shops in Balestier as that road is full of lighting shops
----------------

Try 3T Lighting at Veerasamy Road. They have hanging pendant MH lights there for about $180.

[sherchoo]

Pink,
Does MH from this 3T lighting shop come with pulley modification? 6500K tubes?

[joe]

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On 7/18/2003 8:53:02 PM
Try 3T Lighting at Veerasamy Road. They have hanging pendant MH lights there for about $180.
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thanks pink!!! ... any idea if they use what MH bulbs?

[Daz]

Just wonder if HID are good for aquarium? if I am not wrong, those better HID are in the region of 7000K to 11000K. i.e. almost prue white to bluish white.

I cannot remember what wattage it is like, but base on the HID i see on cars, it is damn bright leh.

Anyone can shed some light on this? No pun intended... hehe

[vinz]

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On 7/18/2003 8:42:29 PM


Hi Joe!

Juz to share some personal fact with you, it seems like FLs are not strong enough for a 2 ft deep tank. Considering the fact that regular large tanks are usually 2 ft deep, IMO, it appears to me you are left with only 2 options, PL or MH. Hope it helps!

Cheers!
----------------

PL and FL are the same. Both are fluorescent lights. The difference is that PLs have more wattage for smaller size. So 4x36W of PL and 4x36W of FL will give you the same amount of light, but the PLs will take less space.

For a 2 feet tall tank, don't plan on having very light-demanding carpet plants if you are using PLs or FLs.

[pink]

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On 7/23/2003 12:17:53 AM

Pink,
Does MH from this 3T lighting shop come with pulley modification? 6500K tubes?
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Hi Sherwin,

No, no pulley modifications like yours. I clarified it already at another thread which had references to your MH lights.

Only the MH pendant light and the chain to hang the lights to the ceiling.

[pink]

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On 7/23/2003 9:55:27 AM

----------------
On 7/18/2003 8:53:02 PM
Try 3T Lighting at Veerasamy Road. They have hanging pendant MH lights there for about $180.
----------------

thanks pink!!! ... any idea if they use what MH bulbs?

----------------

The bulbs I got was DE OSRAM 150W 6200K bulbs, that's what I requested.
Based on the catalog that I saw, OSRAM don't have 6500K bulbs, which I have also confirmed with OSRAM sales engineer.

[vinz]

6200K is good enough.

[kadios]

Wow Vinz!

Thanks for the enlightenment! All this while, I tot they were different, as a friend with 2ft deep tank kept telling me that PLs better for penetration. Thanks!

Cheers!

[bluezing]

hmmm....so a 55w FL light gives out the same amt of light as 55w FL?just to double confirm...