Newbie lighting question

[bongo fury]

Hi all,

Newbie to marine tanks, but I've kept freshwater aquariums for 30 years. I'm wondering what took me so long to get into the salt water!

I have a question about lighting. I've been researching the different options and it looks like I'll go with a compact fluorescent setup for my 29 gal tank based on cost/effectiveness. However, I'm wondering if I can use the regular compact fluorescent bulbs designed to screw into an incandescent socket? These bulbs are really inexpensive compared to CF tubes, relatively high wattages are available, they're available just about anywhere, and the sockets are dirt cheap. Am I missing something? Can I make an effective lighting system using these type bulbs?

 

[cindre2000]

You can, if you get the daylight spectrum (6700K). The biggest issue is that you will not get the blue spectrum that will make corals "pop".

 

[bongo fury]

Thanks for the reply. I thought there must be a good reason not to use these type bulbs, as I haven't seen them mentioned in any of the lighting discussions I've read. So it sounds like these would work fine in a FOWLR setup. I'm sure I'll eventually get into corals, but for now I'm taking it very slowly. I probably have the spare electrical parts sitting around, so I may build a makeshift incandescent-socket set up and try the CF bulbs that way. Then by the time I'm ready to add corals, I'll hopefully be a lot more knowledgable about what lighting I'll need. And besides, I'll probably be ready to upgrade my tank size by then anyway (see, I know how this aquarium sickness works--you always want more!).

 

[IslandCrow]

Your next problem is going to be algae. These bulbs are often times used in refugiums because algae love that spectrum. With proper nutrient control, you'd probably be fine, but I think you'll be a lot better off with the bulbs designed for aquariums. They'll also run the full length of the tank, giving you more even lighting. If you do go with a Home Depot setup, also think about the fact that your normal socket isn't designed to run around salt water, with moisture laiden air, salt spray and your occasionally water splashes. Some sort of outdoor fixture will probably be OK, but in the long run, I don't think it's going to be worth it. A CF fixture for a 29g really shouldn't cost that much compared to everything else you're going to need. I'd check out Ebay as well to see if you can get one cheap. People are upgrading their lights all the time, so I would think there would be more supply than demand for used CF fixtures.

 

[bongo fury]

Thanks IslandCrow, I appreciate your input. I had thought about the moisture/corrosion issue. There are rubber coated sockets that should take care of that, and they're only a few dollars each. You're correct though, a "normal" aquarium setup is inexpensive enough, and I'll likely end up going that route. But I love tinkering and building things for myself, so I thought this might be worth a try.

 

[mr_X]

what is a 29 gallon's length...30 inches? for just a fish only tank, you can buy a cheapo all-glass hood that houses a single flourescent. they gotta be about 20 bucks or so. probably the same as you'll spend building one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/30-black-Florescent ... dZViewItem

ahh...didn't get a chance to read your response....DIY'er

 

[cindre2000]

With a simple glass top, you will not have any splashing or moisture problems. Also, you can usually make stuff better than you can buy when it comes to CF and Fluorescent.

 

[IslandCrow]

Yeah, I'm a tinkerer myself. I build quite a few things I could just as easily have bought and for not much more money. My only remaining concern with your idea would be color spectrum. Of course, those "redder" spectrum bulbs have become a bit more popular, though that's usually in the T-5 world where they're complimented with some "bluer" bulbs. If it looks good to you, though, go for it. In a fish only, the blue element may not be nearly as important. As long as you practice good nutrient control, algae shouldn't be a problem either.

 

[Bojangles]

Just in my experience with FOWLR and FO you might want to get a 50/50 bulb or 10k. The coral sun and flora sun bulbs are too yellow and it washes out the color of your fish. Dont go with the 6700 unless you want the algae growth. IMO the 50/50 is the best choice for low watt lighting. It'll enhance the blues in your fish without turning your reds to purple like in the full actinics.