Re: [AGA Member] I guess im knew to

["S. Hieber" <shieber@yahoo.com>]

Howdy and welcome,

Metal Halide (MH) bulbs tend to cost more, especially if
you have to replace them as often as seems necessary, due
mainly to spectral shift as the bulbs ages.  Also, they
*can* technically be subject to what is known in the light
bulb trade as "active failure."  That's what's known in
normal parlance as "explosion."  It's due to the way they
are designed to work.  I think it's ver rare but it's one
reason you want to have a double envelope bulb and/or a
glass protective sheet in the lamp between the bulb and the
rest of the world.  But for aquarium use, you probably 
want a sheet to keep off water anyhow.  MHs give you more
of a point source of light you so can get nice sharp
shadows and lots of glittery water if the water surface is
ripply.

PCs are nearly as effecient generally and probably more
efficient for an aquarium because of the light spread --
good parabolic or psuedo-parabolic reflectors make a lot of
difference.  The bulbs last a long time and decent ones
will have about 80% of their rated output even after a year
or two of use with negligible spectral shift.  You can get
them with a color temp high enough (10,000 K) them they
seem about as bluish white as good MHs.

Is that any help?



You don't need laterite if you have a good microporous
gravel for substrate -- that's the theory anyhow and the
reason everyone seems to love Flourite.


Scott H.
--- Barry Barlow <bbarlow@mchsi.com> wrote:
> Hi,
> I did a couple of planted tanks a few years back and
> really enjoyed it, got
> out of it for awhile,thinking about getting back in.
> 
> I don't even have a tank yet but do have a couple of
> questions. I see that
> everyone seems to be going with the fractured gravel
> substrate now. Is
> laterite dead? Compact fluorescents seem to be the thing
> nowadays, what are
> the pros and cons when compared to say metal halide?
> 
> Anyways I joined AGA again, looking forward to Mays
> issue. Also got back on
> the list at Apd (as funny as always)good info though.
> 
> That all Vie got except to say hello all glad yer here.
> 
> Barry
> 
> 
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