Re: DIY Compact Fluorescent Sipral Hood

Bill Stock wrote:
> I've seen quite a few posts on DIY hoods for Compact Fluorescents, but
> nothing for Compact Fluorescent Siprals. CFS would appear to be the cheaper
> way to go? I've seen CFS full spectrum for as little as $30 for 65W.
>
> What are the pros and cons of  going this route? Do the CFS put out a lot
> more heat because the ballast is built into the bulb? Do the lifetime bulb
> costs of the CFS outweigh the initial savings? Does the plane vs point light
> source (reflection/refraction) become more of an issue? Any ideas for a good
> refelector for a CFS?
>
> I'd like to try some low/med light plants in my new 65H and I'm discovering
> that the 25W the LFS sold me won't do it. ;-) I'd be happy with 2 or 3 watts
> per gallon.
I built a DIY hood and used two spiral daylight lamps, added a DIY CO2 
system and everthing is doing very well in a tall 35 gal (us) tank. My 
reflector system could be better as it is just alum. foil. but it works 
for now. I was initially concerned about heat but have not a a problem.