Retro lighting for plants?

[richberstler]

I could have sworn someone gave me info on some sort of CF light bulb which will work in my current hood.

Am I crazy? I can't find the thread anywhere... I'm trying to increase my w/g w/o a whole new light fixture.

[Algenco]

http://www.ahsupply.com/

I think Dave posted a different link, can't remember what it was

[richberstler]

Oh and the bulb I'm trying to replace is 24" / 59cm long.

[Algenco]

the 55w would fit

[richberstler]

Is there some place which explains what exactly is needed to do when trying to retrofit? With the help of you site I've also found a few others now that I know what to google, but I'm still not quite understanding everything involved. I don't want to go buying again only to find out later there was something else I should have done or needed to know.

It all seems easy, just replace the lighting unit inside the hood, but I thought that before I found out the current setup wasn't enough light.

[Algenco]

Call or email A H Supply, they are very friendly and willing to answer all your questions.

[Incredulous_Ed]

I may be wrong, but dont they send you instructions when you buy the kit?

[richberstler]

I noticed while pricing things online there is mention to "European style high output T5 lamps" and "German Parabolic Reflector " should I be worried these things are just for Europe? They are listed in USA websited, so I'm thinking it's just an industry standard description.

I don't want one of those crazy European plugs!!


Another question, will something like this work in a normal light fixture which came with the tank? From the pics it appears it will hook in, but I'm wondering if the power will be enough to run it properly.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...ntlamp2475watt

Has anyone tried just buying a better bulb with no other enhancements to the fixture itself with success?

[Dave66]

I noticed while pricing things online there is mention to "European style high output T5 lamps" and "German Parabolic Reflector " should I be worried these things are just for Europe? They are listed in USA websited, so I'm thinking it's just an industry standard description.

I don't want one of those crazy European plugs!!


Another question, will something like this work in a normal light fixture which came with the tank? From the pics it appears it will hook in, but I'm wondering if the power will be enough to run it properly.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...ntlamp2475watt

Has anyone tried just buying a better bulb with no other enhancements to the fixture itself with success?

The lights and the caps are the same on both side of the pond. The T5s came in vogue in Europe first, hence the name, but they are probably made in Japan. The reflector probably was made in Germany, but it doesn't matter, as its just mirror-polished aluminum.
You might want to buy an electronic ballast for the tubes, as it'll drive them better and more economically. Lights will also be brighter. Were it me, I'd go with the external ballast, as it'd save me money so I wouldn't have to replace the lights every six months.
Eighty-watt fixture will be barely a financial dent. I envy you.

Dave

[richberstler]

Would an electronic ballast mean tearing apart my current fixture? What doe the external mean?

I'm honestly completely clueless on the lingo.