I noticed recently a few post , where members are looking for alternate lighting for their tanks, here is one suggestion that some may find useful for their needs. I have been using these bulbs going on 2 + years now to sustain plant growth in my previous 20 gln & now 20 gallon long with very good results.
The Dollarama stores carry a 11 watt 6400 K linear compact flourescent bulb ( Sunbeam Brand) for the ripe price of $1.00,can`t beat that ;)
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Which Dollarama carries the 6400K bulbs? I have been looking out for those, but could only find the 2700K version :(
Quote from: fischkopp on November 06, 2008, 05:49:18 PM
Which Dollarama carries the 6400K bulbs? I have been looking out for those, but could only find the 2700K version :(
I have seen them @ the following locations- Barhaven,Herongate mall & Carlingwood Mall.
Excellent Charlie better than the pig tail ones these are smaller easier to fit in a small hood.
You just saved me about $70 - Thanks!
Charlie will take a check for the difference in price :D
If Charlie would take one of my cheques I have some nice land in Flordia for sale... ;) ::)
Hey Charlie,
Do you also use a reflector over the bulbs or just a straight bulb?
Quote from: redbelly on November 07, 2008, 12:29:07 AM
Hey Charlie,
Do you also use a reflector over the bulbs or just a straight bulb?
i use mine with the reflectors that came with the incandescent fixtures.
Does anyone know if they make these bulbs in any higher wattage? Even if they are more than $1.
Steve
I am not sure about the Sunbeam brand (other than T5HO), but Canadian Tire sells daylight compact fluorescent 6500K in higher wattages, up to 26W at least. A double pack is about $10+ depending on the size.
I got 2 packs of 23W today. It went up to 43W at Home Depot. Now, on the package it says uses 23 watts of energy but produced the equivalent of 100 watts of light. In terms of watts/gallon in a planted tank. Which number would you use? If I put one of these over a 100 gallon tank, does that equal 1W/G?
Quote from: Steve_2 on November 07, 2008, 03:15:58 PM
I got 2 packs of 23W today. It went up to 43W at Home Depot. Now, on the package it says uses 23 watts of energy but produced the equivalent of 100 watts of light. In terms of watts/gallon in a planted tank. Which number would you use? If I put one of these over a 100 gallon tank, does that equal 1W/G?
you use the 23 watts.
If anyone find these can they post which store they found them in - I've been to a number of Dollarama stores but they only had the 2700K versions.
Quote from: bergenm on November 13, 2008, 02:22:47 PM
If anyone find these can they post which store they found them in - I've been to a number of Dollarama stores but they only had the 2700K versions.
That appears to be the case now, i was @ the Herongate one & they only had the same 2700 K /9 watt.I hope they restock the 11 watt /6400 K
Quote from: bergenm on November 13, 2008, 02:22:47 PM
If anyone find these can they post which store they found them in - I've been to a number of Dollarama stores but they only had the 2700K versions.
You still can't go wrong with the Philips CF twistys. They're not expensive either and the one they call Daylight Deluxe (I think) is 6500K. The rating is buried on the back of the package. Only problem is they won't fit in those older style canopies that take the two tube-shaped incandescents.
HD always has them in stock.
Quote from: Saltcreep on November 14, 2008, 02:37:49 PM
You still can't go wrong with the Philips CF twistys. They're not expensive either and the one they call Daylight Deluxe (I think) is 6500K. The rating is buried on the back of the package. Only problem is they won't fit in those older style canopies that take the two tube-shaped incandescents.
HD always has them in stock.
Yupe, just got some yesterday from HD. 13 watts each, 6500K colour range, which is what we want for plants. $7.98 for a pair. It's true that those piggy-tails wouldn't fit in the old incandescent canopies, but mine did, with some slight modifications ;D . Isn't this supposed to be part of the fun of our hobby? :D
Yes mine fit in old canopy as well. My java fern has never been so happy. Tight but they fit! I also try to get the weather resistent model.
Quote from: charlie on November 07, 2008, 04:28:08 PM
you use the 23 watts.
Could you explain that please? Is it not the light output rather than power consumption we're concerned about? Isn't that the whole idea of using CF, or regular, or HO fluorescents - less power for more output? ???