AH Supply 2x55 Kit Uses

[VaughnH]

What can you use an AH Supply 2 x 55 watt bright light kit for? My PAR data, using GE9325K bulbs, about a year old, and with some analysis, suggests that this light can be used on a wide variety of tanks from 15 gallon to 90 gallon. The light intensity at the substrate depends on the distance from the light to the substrate, and the uniformity of the light over the substrate depends on how high above the tank you suspend the light, and whether the bulbs are end to end or side by side.

Here are some tank sizes this will work for: (This is intended only as a general way to determine if the 2 x 55 watt kit can be used on specific tank sizes. The actual PAR intensities for the bulbs you use can only be determined by measuring with a PAR meter.)
(Using Glasscages sizes - Glasscages.com - Glass Aquariums)

 

[jtparsons]

I have AH supply 2x36 on a 15Long. Its to much light until its raised to about 12 inches of the water. My guess is that any of the tank sizes that have 12inch depth would be over powered (be hard to control algae). I cant imagine putting this light on my tank or a 20Long. -Jon

 

[VaughnH]

You could be right. I suspect that the 36 watt kit provides the same intensity as the 55 watt kit, but over the shorter length of the bulb. And, 100 micromols is really too much light as I see it, but some people want that much and more. Also, notice that I listed those tank sizes for one bulb only.

 

[jtparsons]

Yea sorry right after I posted this I noticed the single bulb thing. That would probobly be fine. Still after hours and ours of reading about light. PAR, PUR, and the thousand other light mesurments. Reading here and having discussions with friends. Im just done with the whole light thing. Without having a PAR meter its easier to over power a tank then watch the plants and back off the light as nessisary. Im making my first attempt with MH on my DIY 24x24x17 thinking 150w or 250w backed off your opinion? Im really comfortable using PC as Ive done it on lots of tanks, but never used MH.

Are you trying to pick a new tank for this 2x55, or just looking for comparisons?
I would use this light on a 40 breeder, but not my 24x24x17 38.5gal because I wouldnt get good coverage all over the tank. Instead I would go 3 1x55 fixtures spread apart for coverage and propobly backed off 6-8inches.

I read MH (point source light) has a good 24x24 footprint of light.

 

[VaughnH]

Are you trying to pick a new tank for this 2x55, or just looking for comparisons?
I would use this light on a 40 breeder, but not my 24x24x17 38.5gal because I wouldnt get good coverage all over the tank. Instead I would go 3 1x55 fixtures spread apart for coverage and propobly backed off 6-8inches.

I read MH (point source light) has a good 24x24 footprint of light.

No, I only posted that because it occurred to me that I have enough data to predict with some confidence how it would work with a variety of tank sizes. I hope this will encourage others to get some good PAR readings with T5, T8 and MH/HQI lights so something similar can be done for those lighting types.