Has anyone tried a "full spectrum" lightbulb?

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TripleAAA

Golden Member
Jul 7, 2002
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I heard about these in my ecology class a few weeks ago and they seemed pretty interesting. Most of the major brands now sell them (ie GE's version is called "Reveal"...I think)

Anyways, they supposedly are like natural light and can work wonders in helping you feel more energized and focused when you're around them. Many college campuses are now putting them in particular areas, like libraries and have noted dramatic effects amongst the students. I also heard about parents putting them in their kids' room for studying purposes and they work wonders.

I think I'm gonna go get some of them...btw, what is the 'standard' bulb? Is it a 60 volt? ..cant remember.
 
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amnesiac

Lifer
Oct 13, 1999
15,781
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Personally I like compact fluorescents more - brighter and run cooler.

I have a few of the Reveal light bulbs, and yes, they have a very nice, natural light, but are DIM! The 60 watt ones don't do squat, and the 100 watt ones are barely brighter than normal 60's.

Over my desk I have a fluorescent version of it called the "Ott-Lite" and it's great.

I don't feel "energized" by it but it's not bad.
 
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Tsaico

Platinum Member
Oct 21, 2000
2,669
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I tried one, they just seem brighter... Other than that... they cost more... and you have bragging rights to full spectrum light bulbs...
 
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Noriaki

Lifer
Jun 3, 2000
13,640
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That would be 60 watt....everything that runs on a normal household circuit is 115-120V (if you're in north america).
 
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aceO07

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2000
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I got one for my office earlier this year. It wasn't as bright as I thought. It only lit up a small spot on my desk, so I would still need the ceiling lights on.

Also, I would accidently look into the bulb once in a while, which was bad.. :p
 
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Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
9,773
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The Reveal was no revelation for me. I'll stay with compact florescents, traditional "soft white" bulbs, and halogens (for really bright light) by night, and open my shades by day.
 
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Havoc13

Senior member
Jun 16, 2000
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Used several over the years for reptiles. They need the full spectrum light for their photosynthesis...
 
0roo0roo

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
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Originally posted by: amnesiac 2.0
Personally I like compact fluorescents more - brighter and run cooler.

I have a few of the Reveal light bulbs, and yes, they have a very nice, natural light, but are DIM! The 60 watt ones don't do squat, and the 100 watt ones are barely brighter than normal 60's.

Over my desk I have a fluorescent version of it called the "Ott-Lite" and it's great.

I don't feel "energized" by it but it's not bad.
Click to expand...



u sure? my reveal bulbs are basically bright as normal:p go figure. i just put them in the bathroom where natural light is more important then energy savings:) rest of house is flourecent. i have a bunch of 4-7 watts lighting my room.
 
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Mrburns2007

Platinum Member
Jun 14, 2001
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bluck, the florescents are really bad for your eyes they say cause they flicker more. I'll have to try the reveal bulbs and see if they are a nicer light then regular bulbs.
 
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klah

Diamond Member
Aug 13, 2002
7,070
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Originally posted by: FoBoT
i have used them on aquariums to help aquarium plants grow
Click to expand...

I use them in the basment to help my, ummm..., "garden" grow.
 
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busmaster11

Platinum Member
Mar 4, 2000
2,875
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Originally posted by: Havoc13
Used several over the years for reptiles. They need the full spectrum light for their photosynthesis...
Click to expand...

Hmm... My reptiles never seem to photosynthesize... :)

Seriously, I have a few Russian tortoises and they seem to love basking under my full spectrum lights... Its good for their skin and shells. Something about vitamins and phosphorus...
 
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Noriaki

Lifer
Jun 3, 2000
13,640
1
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Originally posted by: Mrburns2007
bluck, the florescents are really bad for your eyes they say cause they flicker more. I'll have to try the reveal bulbs and see if they are a nicer light then regular bulbs.
Click to expand...

I don't know all that much about compact florescent "screw-in" bulbs.

But the amount of flicker from florescent fixtures depends on the ballast.
A low quality ballast will give you flickering and buzzing. If you get a good ballast you get flicker free light without the humming or buzzing that florescents are infamous for.

I'm not sure how that applies to compact florescents, but I would guess that they have some sort of mini ballast in the screw in bulb, and if you get cheap ones you'll get flicker and humming, if you get good ones you won't.
 
0roo0roo

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
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my cheapie ikea flourcents kinda buzz but only if u press ur ear against them. my panasonic bulbs do not. the price difference is like 10 dollars though hah:p i have 2 4watts 7 6 watts a 9 watt and a 29 watt:) in my room alone:)
 
XZeroII

XZeroII

Lifer
Jun 30, 2001
12,572
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I use the screw-in cold-cathods (florescent) and it's about 15-20watts and as bright as a 60 watt normal bulb. It also shines much whiter than a regular. I would recommend these.
 
0roo0roo

0roo0roo

No Lifer
Sep 21, 2002
64,795
84
91
hm those seem to use more power then. my 9 watts are equiv to 60 watt, and my 11 are equiv to 100.
 
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