a question of lighting

[terryansimon]

okay I'm using a 2x36W PL to power up my refugium now. I don't turn the two bulbs on together as the heat generated is strong enough to melt the filmsy plastic casing in the light holder itself. but recently, I've been forced to turn ithe two of them on in a vain bid to prevent algae turning asexual.

my question is this. can a 2x24W T5 replace the "intensity" of the PLs in terms of wattage? will I be losing out anything? as the combined wattage of the PL is 72 compared to 48 (2x24), my layman understanding will be that T5 is less powerful than PL. however that is just layman's knowledge.

so any guru out there with decent advice for me? thanks a million.

[ben]

refigium? fl is more than enough

[terryansimon]

that is what everybody says.

wait until you see your macroalgae growing asexual. urh. thats why I already stated quite clearly that I need to use 2x36W.

[FuEl]

Common misconception..it's turning sexual...not asexual...asexual is growth via the holdfasts.

Anyway....2X24 T5s are more than enough. They have higher intensity compared to PLs and are more cost effective. They produce less heat too. Try it..you'll be pleased with the results. If you are going for ATI brand I recommend sunpro for macroalgae.

[terryansimon]

oh oops sorry I thought asexual.

if Edmund has stock for his ATIs, I don't mind. I'm getting really desperate now as my 1) rate of evaporation is increased 2)water temp is increased 3) pathetic PL housing is almost falling apart due to heat warp. can't even sell it off now. damns.

thanks Fuel. oh by the way. since ATI don't have and I'm probably getting Aqualight, which type of bulb should I get? the ones with 10K or the ones with 20K?