I'm running 110 watts of T-8 lighting, 36", 2 x 25 Watt and 2 x 30 Watt on two electronic ballasts. My reflector is a flat sheet of aluminum that I took out of an AGA twin fluorescent fixture and adapted it to hold 4 tubes; extra two "end sets" came from a shop light.
I'm thinking about buying an AH supply 55 Watt deluxe bright kit w/ reflector, ballast and wiring and installing a Current USA 65 Watt Dual Daylight (6700/10000K) bulb, 2G11 flat pin bulb.
I'm partially doing this in preparation of transferring my stuff from my 30G with only 12" of height to my 29G with 16" of height to give my plants more room to grow. Gonna do this as soon as I can scrounge another $75 for 3 bags of Fluorite Black Sand.
Question is, do I have enough re-strike with my flat aluminum reflector and 110 Watts of total lighting that I won't loose many lumens by making the switch with the revered AH reflectors? That's almost 1/2 the wattage and I'm just a little concerned about growing my Blyxa and Glosso. I think the rest of my plants will do OK even if I end up with a "mid light tank."
Another driver is I get very little pearling (in my opinion) with my existing lighting and 4 36" T-8 tubes is all I can fit in my 12" deep housing. Upside of going with the CF setup is I can always add another 65 watter if I don't have enough light as soon as I save up the extra $75.00 with the bulb. I just don't want to have to look at a dull tank or loose my Glosso and Blyxa during the transition.
I know there's no way of knowing for sure without a lumens tester (and I'm not paying another $120.00 for one of those.) But does anyone have any relative experience that might give me an idea of what to expect?
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