Actinic lighting thoughts

[dakar]

Okay migrating my stoney tank from the 10g nano to a 25g tall (24x12.5 x 21" tall), just need to top off the sump and she's rolling. Putting the lighting plan together today, The halide I have on hand that's easy, 250w Iwasaki, just need some thoughts on actinic (must be 460nm Blue!).

My options are really wide open, I just need to stay within the 24" length constraint, of course doing things in my typical style any NO or T5's would be overdriven. Each has it's own drawbacks, Though I'm not too fond of the VHO's, the restrike between the internal reflector and the tube equates to a significant loss of output. PC's suffer from a lack of lifespan, overdriving NO = less lifespan, T5's need to get some reflectors. Everything else I pretty much have on hand besides the tubes themselves...

[segraves1]

I don't know jack, but I'm planning on PCs over my tank because of the bulbs seem to cost about the same but the ballasts are about half the cost.....

I always thought PCs lasted the longest out of all kinds of fluorescent bulbs?

[perpetual98]

segraves, T5 bulbs last the longest, PC and Halide bulbs have the shortest lifespan. Properly ventilated T5 bulbs can get between 18 and some will say 24 months of life.

Dave, personally, I don't think you can go wrong with some T5s with icecap reflectors. Ive got waterproof endcaps in stock that I'll hook you up with if you want.

[segraves1]

segraves...... PC and Halide bulbs have the shortest lifespan.

really? I had been told that Halide bulbs lasted about a year.......

[perpetual98]

How about a couple 70W 14,000K halides?

[davejnz]

I thinks since you like the blue actinics best,T5's would be a good fit.I know of 3 different 450ish T5 actinic bulbs manufactured.2 of which are less than $15 a piece.PC bulbs are gonna cost more than that.With VHO's,your gonna have a hard time finding a 450-460nm bulb that suits your taste.

[davejnz]

They do,you can probably get over a yr with some halides.

[segraves1]

how much time do you think I will get out of these 250Watt and 400Watt 6500s I'm running?

[davejnz]

12months to 18 months.

[jerryc]

I make it a point to change my MH at one year Thea may last a little longer
but i just don't wont to take a chance on having problems from poor lighting.