My inexpensive CFL light solution

mach_six · 09-30-2012, 09:31 PM

I had to hang my lights because sitting on top of the glass cause the residue to harden from the heat and it'll eventually block out even more light. There's some residue that not hard but I can't remove it.

Jjensen187 · 10-01-2012, 04:27 PM

Recently I set up two of the smaller dome reflectors seen in this thread above my 10G. I'm using 14w 5k CFLs about 14in from the substrate. The lamps are on for 9 hrs a day.

While I have seen an increase in plant growth over the past two weeks, its nothing like most of the posters in here are experiencing. I only have about 6-8 plants in the tank, mostly assorted crypts. I dose excel daily, flourish weekly, and use fluorite substrate. Am I missing something? I've read that heavily planting a tank is the way to go but I am unsure if I want to invest in a bunch of plants if I wont get the growth that I'm looking for. Ill post pictures later today.

StraightAddicted · 10-11-2012, 02:14 AM

So i purchased some 6" clip-on light fixtures with 6500 CFL bulbs... I'm smelling burnt plastic smell as others have. Will this smell go away after x amount of days? Is it just the glue from the stickers that were taken off? If you have any input it would be appreciated

Andrew H · 10-11-2012, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StraightAddicted

So i purchased some 6" clip-on light fixtures with 6500 CFL bulbs... I'm smelling burnt plastic smell as others have. Will this smell go away after x amount of days? Is it just the glue from the stickers that were taken off? If you have any input it would be appreciated

Yeah if it just the plastic smell it'll go away. Take off the all stickers. Mine had em in the one, outside, and near the switch.

StraightAddicted · 10-11-2012, 04:51 AM

Thats what I figured, how long did it take for it to stop stanking?

Cilenez · 10-14-2012, 05:21 PM

i wanted to thank you for writing this thread...

today i bought 2 of the CFL bulbs for my 20G tank to try them out.
they are 13W, 800 lumens, 6500K
i LOVE the way my tank looks now.

Andrew H · 10-14-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StraightAddicted

Thats what I figured, how long did it take for it to stop stanking?

The four we have stopped smelling after a couple days.

StraightAddicted · 10-15-2012, 12:40 AM

Thanks, and the smell did stop after a few days or I got used to the smell haha jk. And I have the same setup Cilenez. I had Marineland lights before so I do miss the moonlight. But I know lowes does sell color CFL bulbs that I could put on for "show". But maybe down the road I'll buy some. Goodluck with growing your plants, and thanks to everyone for this great thread.

bbroush · 10-24-2012, 05:52 AM

I have a question regarding this strategy for lighting. I currently have an HOB filter and I'm not looking to buy a new one, but I do want to use a screen lid with these CFL lights bc I think it will be much cheaper and better. How do i use a screen lid with my HOB? it's an aqueon 200 and I have a 20 gallon high aquarium. Thanks in advance for your help!

wootlaws · 02-21-2013, 05:30 PM

Is everyone achieving this kind of growth with no co2?

m00se · 02-21-2013, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wootlaws

Is everyone achieving this kind of growth with no co2?

I'm running my drop checker into the yellow range. So yes, LOTS of CO2. Can't speak for others but with close to 70w over a 18" tall 40b it's definitely necessary.

Luizin · 02-22-2013, 02:11 AM

I have one these lights on my 5 gal

02-22-2013, 02:11 AM	#192
Luizin Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Bay shore ny Posts: 20	I have one these lights on my 5 gal Attached Thumbnails

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09-30-2012, 09:31 PM	#181
mach_six Planted Tank Enthusiast (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: North NJ Posts: 591	I had to hang my lights because sitting on top of the glass cause the residue to harden from the heat and it'll eventually block out even more light. There's some residue that not hard but I can't remove it.

10-01-2012, 04:27 PM	#182
Jjensen187 Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Chicago Posts: 18	Recently I set up two of the smaller dome reflectors seen in this thread above my 10G. I'm using 14w 5k CFLs about 14in from the substrate. The lamps are on for 9 hrs a day. While I have seen an increase in plant growth over the past two weeks, its nothing like most of the posters in here are experiencing. I only have about 6-8 plants in the tank, mostly assorted crypts. I dose excel daily, flourish weekly, and use fluorite substrate. Am I missing something? I've read that heavily planting a tank is the way to go but I am unsure if I want to invest in a bunch of plants if I wont get the growth that I'm looking for. Ill post pictures later today.

10-11-2012, 02:14 AM	#183
StraightAddicted Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: May 2012 Location: Dothan, AL Posts: 355	So i purchased some 6" clip-on light fixtures with 6500 CFL bulbs... I'm smelling burnt plastic smell as others have. Will this smell go away after x amount of days? Is it just the glue from the stickers that were taken off? If you have any input it would be appreciated

10-11-2012, 04:51 AM	#185
StraightAddicted Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: May 2012 Location: Dothan, AL Posts: 355	Thats what I figured, how long did it take for it to stop stanking?

10-14-2012, 05:21 PM	#186
Cilenez Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: SW Florida Posts: 36	i wanted to thank you for writing this thread... today i bought 2 of the CFL bulbs for my 20G tank to try them out. they are 13W, 800 lumens, 6500K i LOVE the way my tank looks now.

10-15-2012, 12:40 AM	#188
StraightAddicted Planted Tank Obsessed (View User Tanks) PTrader: (9/100%) Join Date: May 2012 Location: Dothan, AL Posts: 355	Thanks, and the smell did stop after a few days or I got used to the smell haha jk. And I have the same setup Cilenez. I had Marineland lights before so I do miss the moonlight. But I know lowes does sell color CFL bulbs that I could put on for "show". But maybe down the road I'll buy some. Goodluck with growing your plants, and thanks to everyone for this great thread.

10-24-2012, 05:52 AM	#189
bbroush Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (0/0%) Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Utah Posts: 34	I have a question regarding this strategy for lighting. I currently have an HOB filter and I'm not looking to buy a new one, but I do want to use a screen lid with these CFL lights bc I think it will be much cheaper and better. How do i use a screen lid with my HOB? it's an aqueon 200 and I have a 20 gallon high aquarium. Thanks in advance for your help!

02-21-2013, 05:30 PM	#190
wootlaws Algae Grower (View User Tanks) PTrader: (1/100%) Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: SoCal Posts: 105	Is everyone achieving this kind of growth with no co2?