Lighting Part 2 Fluorescent - Podcast Episode 76

***Rob*** · 10-12-2006, 08:46 PM

Part 2 in the lighting series.
i didn't really get any feedback as to what you guys were looking for, so i assume that part was perfect.. ok, so im sure it wasn't perfect, but if you have questions or comments for the next part, please let em know

Ok, Part 2, i cover all things Fluorescent
Topic List
- Recap of Part 1
- Incandescent lights
- What is a fluorescent bulb
- Fluorescent components
- How a fluorescent works/lights up
- NO fluorescent bulbs
- PC fluorescent bulbs
- VHO fluorescent bulbs
- T5/T5HO fluorescent bulbs

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veriann · 10-13-2006, 11:45 AM

its has been along time coming my friend, not an easy endevour to undertake alone the broad lighting topic! im glad you stepped up to the plate on this one rob!
thanks bud! i enjoyed the show!

***Rob*** · 10-13-2006, 12:30 PM

thanks V, hopefully i cover the important stuff without to much off geeky stuff..

NaClFinatic · 10-13-2006, 01:59 PM

I had heard T5HO bulbs could last up to 3 years, but Rob mentioned chanign bulbs every year like MH. I couldn't find any info in a quick search, at least in regards to aquaria. How long is the output good for?

***Rob*** · 10-13-2006, 02:02 PM

actually i think 12 months is even long..
i have never heard of them lasting that long..
most people tell me the average life is about 10-12 months

im new to actually using them, have my first set now, so im finding out for myself..

NaClFinatic · 10-13-2006, 02:28 PM

I guess if it was 3 years everybody would be changing over. Still a good bang for the buck so I still plan to use them.

Reefbaby · 10-13-2006, 05:03 PM

I change my T5s out about every 10-12 months...probably more towards 12 months. I notice the decline in MHs much more drastically than I have been able to with the T5s. I guess I'd have to have a PAR meter in order to really tell when it would be time to change...

rprisock · 10-16-2006, 07:07 PM

Rob, your lighting series is very good and most helpful. Definitely not too geeky. The technical aspects help bring clarity to the topic.

I'm needing to change out my MH bulbs so I'm looking forward to the next podcast. Hopefully you will share your thoughts on the various temperature bulbs. One question that has been on my mind: Are 10,000K bulbs better for coral growth than say a 14,000 bulbs? There seems to be various opinions and I'm eager to hear the science behind the different temp. bulbs. Thanks for all your hard work!

***Rob*** · 10-16-2006, 07:32 PM

thanks for the comments.
i have received a few questions similar to this one.
the short answer is that the science behind the different colors was addressed in part one, if you have more questions about that, please let me know. as for the colors effectiveness, well that is less scientific, but will get to that

the plan for the next show was to follow suite with this one, explain what MH's are and how they work. then i would going to get into ballasts and reflectors in part 4. and in part 5 i was going to handle these types of questions, the reason i wanted to separate these is that they are not "fact based" there is no definitive "better" across the board.

so if you have questions about technically how the bulbs work, i will address that in the next show, but as for this question directly, i will plan to answer it in part 5. i hope that helps. my main goal is to help maintain structure and order in these parts, so in the future when they are looked back on they will flow nicely

**CarmieJo** · 10-16-2006, 08:06 PM

Two great shows Rob! You are doing a really good job of explaining this subject without dumbing it down.

rprisock · 10-16-2006, 08:36 PM

Rob, your structure is understood. Absolutely don't deviate. I can certainly wait for an answer until part five. Again, thanks for all your efforts.

Danamck · 10-17-2006, 01:47 PM

Rob -

Another great show. Lighting is a very complex topic, and you are doing a good job of putting it into layman's terms.

Some suggestions: (you did ask!)

A discussion on color temps for the various bulbs and how they change the apparent color of your tank (doesn't have to be technical, more an observation)

Cost vs. watts/output vs. lifespan of the various bulb technologies. I realize that this would take a bit of time, and there are a trememndous amount of variables, but I think it would be interesting. If you are too busy, I would be happy to volunteer my time to do the research. I am downsizing my 240 to a 180, and I am planning on switching from PCs to MHs at the same time, but I have recently switched to T5s on my 46 and really like them. I'm trying to weigh all the factors involved, included the cost of a chiller if I switch to MH, and the cost of electricity as well. Anyway, I think it might be useful information. Let me know what you think.

***Rob*** · 10-17-2006, 09:18 PM

actually thats a good idea, and i have variation for ya in your interested.
if you have or want to gather info on bulb life spans, you could record it up and i will play it on the show.
if you are interested and want to discuss, PM me and we will go over the details, it would be real easy

**CarmieJo** · 10-17-2006, 11:18 PM

Good suggestion. I think a lot of folks would find this helpful.