Im stumped with lighting.

[Tindomul]

I need lighting for two 20 gallon long verticals. That is, they measure 30" vertically. Im gonna have bromiliads, Dischidias, Hoyas, and some Orchids. The two tanks will probably be placed side by side, one housing a green tree frog and the other will house two D. pumilio 'bastimentos' both of whom do well with temps up to the low 80's.
I don't understand these lights!!! AHHHHH!! I need help.

Tell me, are these good?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=11382&N=2004+2032+113345
I could probably fit in two of each on top of each tank. But then I would end up with about $100 worth of lights, and probably too much heat. THese are compact flourescents, so I'm guessing they don't put out too much heat, right? How do they compare to power compacts.
Why does everyone want power compacts? Do they sell power compacts small enough for my tanks? And why are all these power compacts so expensive? The only one's I've seen at aquarium stores are over $120!!!!

[Paul]

Haven't tried those Tindo, so can't tell ya about light quality. In my 30gal tall I've been using 2 cfl's and they seem to be doing okay. However, a 30 gal tall is only 19 inches tall. You're talking not quite twice that distance so I don't know if cfl's will provide you with the necessary light intensity nor if that could be remedied by increasing the # of bulbs used.

Even cfl's produce a noticable amount of heat at least in the upper part of the tank. Then too, I don't have a glass layer separating the bulbs from the tank -- they shine directly into it no obstruction. I would guess that you will need look at having vents for heat to escape [keep in mind that means some of your humidity will too] if you have the lights shining unobstructed into the tanks. For my 90 gal, I do plan on sticking with the cfl's as they are inexpensive, but this time will have a glass layer separating them from the tank. Will be interesting to see how that works out.

[Tindomul]

I built in some screen vents into the tank all the way at the top. Is that good enough?

[josh_r]

hey man, i would look into using some high output T5 lights. do a search on ebay for them. there are lots to choose from. i use them to light up my dart frog vivariums and i really like them. good luck man

-josh

[Tindomul]

Thats exactly what I've been looking at these last few months. I have decided on some sort of T5 light fixture. But for now, I don't really have the money , Christmas and all.

[Ross]

Sorry for the late reply and hope this helps -- for the money, I would opt for http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com...ct_68_prd1.htm I personally use three of these in my bay window to supplement daylight (which is dismal this time of year) and love the response. The plants seem to like them. Not too expensive. I made my own extension cord with Home Depot parts. Will share method if you like.

[Tindomul]

Thanks Ross, I'll look into them!

[ScottMcC]

Originally Posted by rsfrid

Sorry for the late reply and hope this helps -- for the money, I would opt for http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com...ct_68_prd1.htm I personally use three of these in my bay window to supplement daylight (which is dismal this time of year) and love the response. The plants seem to like them. Not too expensive. I made my own extension cord with Home Depot parts. Will share method if you like.

I'd love to hear the method...I'm always up for a little home construction project!

[Ross]

OK, here goes (will post pics later today after I take them). I bought a 12foot extension cord at HD and some small plastic light fixtures (sockets) that attach in-line on the cord. I estimated the distance between centers of the two windows and spaced the sockets that far away. I attached the homebrew lighting string to the ceiling with small cable staples and plugged in the cord to a timer. I added a third bulb on its own extension cord that just plugs in when I get up in the morning and I unplug in the evening. That's to simulate changing light intensities as the day progresses. I'll add a couple pics later.

[Ross]

Here's a try at showing how I made my light setup. First image shows one of the 2 lights in front of windows showing how I attached the socket. Bulb just hangs bare.



Next one shows the single lamp which I mannually plug in later in morning to supplement others.



This is nothing fancy, but it works. I measure 1200 foot candles away from glass and 2500-3000 near windows. I plan to use either this type setup with two bulbs over my new terrarium or a 48" bank of T5 bulbs.