CFL Lights ???

[Rickus]

What are your thoughts of CFL lights in an aquarium. Size +/- 200l, Hi-Fin Catfish and Spotted Talking Catfish, want more tankmates. Yes I want plants in it aswell.
The CFL's are cheaper then normal lights that you buy at LFS.

Good or Bad Idea ?

[f-fish]

Search for it on TASA - this has been discussed ....

In short - you either like the idea or think it is silly. If you do decide to do it I would say do NOT go for the cheap lights rather something like the Philips Tornado cool daylights.

BTW volume is irrelevant - tank depth is the light killer. What is the tank dimensions?

Later F

[Rickus]

The tank 1m x 0.4w x 0.5h

I like the idea, because it is cheaper, I think.

Thanx Ill have a look on TASA.

---------- Post added at 19:12 ---------- Previous post was at 19:12 ----------

OOPS, I thought you said APSA...

[f-fish]

Just incase you find the site search a bit of a challenge ...

Use google and search for site:tropicalaquarium.co.za CFL
or
http://www.google.co.za/search?q=site%3Atropicalaquarium.co.za+CFL

.5 is high but with enough CFL's and a good reflector you should be OK.

Happy DIY ... gotta love this hobby.

Later F

[Rickus]

Sweet.

I love this hobby,

DIY - I must make a custom lid.
Thanx for advice about reflector, what should I use for the reflector ( it wil be a closed lid )

[f-fish]

If you have a look at the threads

google site:tropicalaquarium.co.za cfl reflector road paint

http://www.google.co.za/search?q=site%3Atropicalaquarium.co.za+cfl+reflect or
&
http://www.google.co.za/search?q=site%3Atropicalaquarium.co.za+cfl+reflect or+road+paint

I recall that road paint seems to be the best DIY.

Later Ferdie