200W and 105W Compact Fluorescents

[Twigg]

Hi all .....

The is my first post here so I hope I put it in the right place

I did a search and didn't come up with much, so here goes ....

What do y'all think about the newer high wattage CFL's?

They are now available in wattages up to 200, and in the full range (up to about 6000k) of temps, and full spectrum.

As they have the ballasts built into the bulbs, they are useable in very inexpensive fixtures, and I have no idea why Power Compact is talked about everywhere, yet these bulbs are only ever mentioned in cannabis growing Forums.

I am in the middle of designing and building a 100 gallon tank and am reluctant to shell out $300 on expensive fixtures when these, from the specs, should do the job nicely.

Anyone tried them?

Thanks

 

[FSM]

They aren't very efficient.

for example

http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/ecart/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=SSE-200.5000KE39120V

200 watts, 10000 lumens

50 l/w

http://www.atlantalightbulbs.com/ecart/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=SHO-105W-D

105 watts, 6700 lumens

64 l/w



a 54W T5HO bulb produces about 4500-5000 lumens

93 l/w

 

[Twigg]

I see that ... I'll see if I can find some more efficient ones.

OTOH, even at 50% of the efficiency of the VHO T5's, they are still reasonably cost effective ... and they are pretty small ... and with decent reflectors can be used in nice pendant fixtures .... Just thinking aloud

 

[FSM]

I think you will still save money long term with T5HO. The initial cost will be more, but the bulbs last longer (although I don't know how the output degradation compares), and are cheaper to replace.

What are the dimensions of the tank? I use a 3x54W fixture on my 75 with pressurized CO2 and it works great. I'm only running 2 bulbs because of algae.

 

[JakeH]

I try not to get too hung up on the lumens/watt efficiency... Thats just one of many things to consider & once you factor in the differences in overall cost, directed light energy, and bulb replacement I think its gonna be tough to beat a 10,000 lumen lamp that screws into a $10 pendant/reflector combo. I'm definitely not saying FSM is wrong, the T5Ho's he recommended will work great, but if you dont mind pendant-style you can save some cash & get some serious output.