Thinking Of Improving My Wpg

[flix_cw]

My current WpG is a measly 0.5.

I have a 12", 8W T5 sylvania grolux tube in my 2ft, 15g planted tank. The arcadia starter controller only goes up to 8W so i can't just shove in a higher wattage tube.

Due to the hood, i can't fit in an 18" T5 tube, even if i bought a new starter unit.

However, T8 tubes are available in 15", and would fit nicely in the hood. These come as 14W tubes, which would give me a massive 0.9 WpG!

A starter unit averages £20, 14W tube i can get for £10, is this upgrade worth it for ~£30?

Would i really see a noticeable increase in growth rate (if ferts and liquid carbon dosing was altered accordingly)?

 

[Tom]

I think you'd be better off going for a 24w or 36w compact T5 and a controller. Would give you much better light than a single T8.

 

[flix_cw]

i had no idea compact tubes existed!

i will do some more research, thanks!

 

[flix_cw]

Is a compact T5 the same as a T5HO?

 

[Tom]

Nope, it's one of these:

 

[flix_cw]

Ah okay i see now, thanks.

Do you know where i can get one of these from? Struggling on google... All i can find is a Hagen starter unit, http://www.123aquatics.co.uk/products/a ... -1568.aspx

Not sure if this is even the same thing.

 

[Tom]

No that's not the one you want. I just bought my bulb from here: http://www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs- ... 65-Philips

Don't be fooled by the price, it shoots up with delivery and tax. Still a good one to go for. As for starters, I had a quick look that turned nothing up, but I got mine from the local fish shop.

 

[flix_cw]

I found a good priced bulb here http://www.trilight.co.uk/cfl-24w.php

Thanks for the help. I'll pop into my LFS and see what i can find, while keeping an eye on ebay!

 

[bigmatt]

where are you based mate? Someone on here might know a good local supplier for you. Have you thought about going open topped with your tank? You can get some really good clip on lights and don't have to fiddle around fitting them in the hood! Hope this helps, Matt

 

[flix_cw]

Central london. I'm near the well known Aquatic Design Centre which is pretty kitted out, so i shall have a peruse on my next visit.

I don't know, i'm not too keen on a hoodless tank, i feel the hood hides a lot of tubes etc and keeps it all in a bit more order. I appreciate where you're coming from though, maybe when i get another one...