bulb for macro

[munki]

would a daylight 6500k bulb be good for macro. i dunno on the package it says a 100 watt replacement using only 23 watts. does that mean that it puts out 100 watts.
sorry just a little confused.
thank you

[munki]

hello?

[BigAl07]

I wish I had an answer for you.. I just posted a VERY similar question over at Walmart Fuge light . . . and on the second page I was asking something just about identical. Hopefully this will help some.

Allen

[munki]

Originally Posted by BigAl07

I wish I had an answer for you.. I just posted a VERY similar question over at Walmart Fuge light . . . and on the second page I was asking something just about identical. Hopefully this will help some.

Allen

not really, but thank you anyway

[KodiakBear]

Watt is a term for the amount of electrical power the bulb consumes
(1 Watt = 1 volt X 1 Amp). They say 100W replacement because it has the same lumen as a standard 100W incandescent bulb.
As for how much the light outputs, you need to look at the lumen value. That is the measure of light intensity.
The 6500K is the temperature spectrum of the light being emitted. 6500K is fine for macro.

[BigAl07]

Excellent explanation! I know I learned from it.

Thanks KB!!

[munki]

Originally Posted by KodiakBear

Watt is a term for the amount of electrical power the bulb consumes
(1 Watt = 1 volt X 1 Amp). They say 100W replacement because it has the same lumen as a standard 100W incandescent bulb.
As for how much the light outputs, you need to look at the lumen value. That is the measure of light intensity.
The 6500K is the temperature spectrum of the light being emitted. 6500K is fine for macro.

thanks. so how would i measure watts per gallon. 23 or 100 watts?

[KodiakBear]

I've never put much stock into the watt/gall thumbrule. PAR is the number you want to look for in regards to how much lighting you need.

[munki]

Originally Posted by KodiakBear

I've never put much stock into the watt/gall thumbrule. PAR is the number you want to look for in regards to how much lighting you need.

but if i got that would i have 23 or 100 watts over the macro?

[KodiakBear]

If you're stuck on the watt/gal thumbrule (which is misleading at best IMO), then yes, you would have 100W over your tank. Typically the W/Gal thumbrule is truly refering to the lumen of the bulb (since W and lumen are usually proportional within a certain type of bulb).

[prow]

Originally Posted by munki

but if i got that would i have 23 or 100 watts over the macro?

watts are just units of electrical power. lighting systems and bulb types very in there efficiency to convert watts to lumens. some systems need a ballast which draws in the wattage to power the bulbs. example watt for watt a T5 fluorescent light will put out about double the lumes that a PC fluorescent light can. so 50watts of T5 lighting will put out the same amount of lumens has 100watts of PC lighting. to make it easy what macro is this in what size refugium/tank? most any type light will work, usually the more light the more the macro will grow. also the spectrum, some macros grow better under certain light spectrums.

[munki]

thanks guys. right now just chaeto and halimeda in a 55

[prow]

is this for a refugium in a sump or your main tank? are you trying to light up the whole 55gal? are you wanting to use the macro for exporting or decoration, either way what is your water level at and what is the area (if refugium in the sump) are we talking about and/or the measurements of the tank?

[munki]

Originally Posted by prow

is this for a refugium in a sump or your main tank? are you trying to light up the whole 55gal? are you wanting to use the macro for exporting or decoration, either way what is your water level at and what is the area (if refugium in the sump) are we talking about and/or the measurements of the tank?

well i dont think i need to use it for exporting because i dont have nitrate problems. is that what you meant? the tank is 48 inches long. right now i dont need to light up the whole tank because the macro is only on one side of the tank.

[BigAl07]

I fear that if you add another light system IN the main display to grow your Cheato you may also introduce a much less desirable algae problem into your tank. Just guessing here though.

Allen