What would use more electricity???

[africancichlidau]

Cheryl, within the batten is the control gear for starting and running the tube itself. Part of this control gear is a choke and it is this piece of gear that actually gives off the majority of heat associated with a fluorescent fitting.

[rodentrancher]

Ok Afro, thanks for that. So what you are actually saying is that a fluro tube doesn't really give off that much heat at all?? Just trying to verify for my other half, be it good or bad, LOL! Dave has said that Fluro Tubes themselves give off hardly any heat at all. Cheers Cheryl

[beknluke]

Oh I'm getting confused
I have found that the fluro globes DO give off some heat, but it's minimal in the big scheem of things. I am sure that at best it would raise the tank temp by about 1 degree or so.
Good luck Cheryl
Bex

[Caveman]

When it's hot you probably want to get them outside for full days in the sun and shut the lighting down. That's where the tubs come in handy, just pick it up and take it outside. 12/120L tubs would take up half a room on the floor though, you might need 2 or 3 lights to give each tub a hotspot.

[beknluke]

I was thinking of having one light/tub, well, that was my thought. And since the hubby's in perth and his drum kit is currently in drum bags, I was thinking of covering his drumming room floor with em lol
BUT, after much shuffling and re-shuffling, I have been able to split up all but 2 of the 12 sick ones, and as soon as the netteds head on their way to Sharyn next week, I will have them all separate
You're right though caveman - the tubs would've been awesome for poppin them out in the sub Damn this "money doesn't grow on trees" garbage!! lol

Bloody typos!! lol

[Herc]

Hey Bex, may i ask as to why you are using the 160watt merc and not the 100watt? in a tub situation the 100 would do just fine.
this is what i would do, how ever you decide to mount your globes, eg timber batten across the top end of the tubs, i would set it up so you have 1x 100w merc in one corner and in the op corner a 75w IR glob (herpshop ones are good) that is thermostat controlled. you can either have this on a timer or like my self let it run 24/7. with the merc i would set in on a timer with one of 2 options, eg option 1 timer switches on at 7am and off at 7pm. option 2 on at 6am off at 12pm, then back on at 3pm and off at 7pm or atleast something similar. times not deffinate, just what ever works for you. other alternative to the IR is a halgen like was previously mentioned. this is only a suggestion but all of the above in some way or form has been used by myself and other keepers I know with great sucess, particularly if sick ones are involved. I have also pm'd you some more info. good luck

[Jason]

in my 4x2x2 i use a 75 reflecter bulb, my enclosure is very well ventilated and doesnt get to warm, my beardie loves it cause it gives a good warm spot and a good temp variation due to the ventilation.

[Slateman]

As far as I know, the main heat is comming from transformers. Mabe some heat is generated on battens also, but should be not to much heat there.

[Caveman]

Ok, I was thinking you could place 2 tubs side by side and another 2 end to end and use one light suspended over the middle to give all 4 a hot end. This way you could heat all 12 with 3 lights.

On a side note have you tried 14hr light cycles. Mine do much better when they get 14hr days. Some of them go off their food and start scratching around wanting to sleep all the time if the days aren't long enough.

[beknluke]

Mine are on 12hrs days and I haven't had any issues... If I was to put them all in tubs, your idea could work very well..
I will think on it