PL Light For 2 Feet Tank

[inspirational]

I am keen in getting a PL light for my two feet becos i am going to keep some mini riccia in my tank. I don't know where i can get the lights and what is the cost and the recommended watts for this tank of mine. Can some experts in this forum enlighten me? I required it urgently. Also is normal FL light enough to sustain? Can my 2 feet normal FL light converted to the 2 feet PL lights?

[hoonming]

Upz for you.

[juggler]

For quick solution, can go to Nature Aquarium (see LFS List above) to get a set. The shop can also modify your existing FL set to PL... for a fee.

[mao1987]

what r PL light and Fl lights? which is better? what is the highest wattage for each of these type of lights?where can i buy it?

[tawauboy]

pl is power compact. those u-shaped tube.
fl is normal flourescent tube.
both are of same technology except pl is more compact.
max for pl is 55w while fl is 36/40w.

[pompom]

so which one is better?
Damn... just bought pl... a bit expensive...

[Aeon]

I'm using 4x15W for my 2ft tank, my riccia is doing ok, pearling.
But I believe PL should be even better.

[tawauboy]

[quote:8525326757="pompom"]so which one is better?
[/quote:8525326757]
though more expensive, pl retains intensity over longer period of time.

[pompom]

thx...

pl retains intensity over longer period of time

what does that mean? :P
sorry im newbie

[clusterbx]

I think he meant that FL has a life span of usually one year. Although after one year the FL still looks bright to our human eyes. The light intensity is not as good as new.

Thus, it is always recommended to do a yearly change of FL tubes.

As for PL it has a longer life span hence you only need to change out the PL maybe 2 yearly? That's why it is more cost effective.

Can the more experienced hobbiest further elaborate or correct me if i'm wrong.

I'm new too..

[Sleepy_lancs]

I am not that good at this. But have been checking around to find out that FL light usefulness for tank last about 6mth to 9 mths and PL is about 1 year to 1.5 years. Changes of the lights tube are to done over a period of time and not all at once. Hope this helps.

[tawauboy]

fl tube will loose about half its original intensity after 6 months of use.
pl can last about a year.
rotate your tube changes, i.e. for a light set having 4 tubes, change 1 of the tubes at 3 months interval.

[shadowfax23]

Hi bros, just trying to get an indicative pricing on PL lights.....
Purpose: I'm just trying to get my Riccia to start pearling

Does anyone know how much does a 36W PL light for a 2 ft*1 ft*1 ft tank costs?
Is there a necessity to get 2 tubes of 36W?
What type/rating of tube to use?
How much does a replacement tube costs?
Finally, any reliable brand to use?

[lorba]

shadow, (following the 3W/G rule) for a 2 x 1 x 1, which is about 15USG, you need at least 45W. Check out the Calculator

Its pretty easy to get riccia to pearl, achieve the light requirement and make sure you have lots of CO2.

Depending on where you buy your stuff, average price of a tube should be around $10. With the casing, its probably $30 - $50.

From the FAQ Forum...
See this for more info on PL

Read the section on light here

[HorizonVentures]

I have lobang for PL Tubes and eballast. PM me if you are interested.

[chuck]

Try House of Discus, 35C pasir Ris farmway 2. Bought two 3 feet units twin PL lights there recently and cost S$36 ea