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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: manytanks on February 18, 2007, 09:37:02 PM

Title: Flourescent question
Post by: manytanks on February 18, 2007, 09:37:02 PM
I have a 48" flourescent fixture that takes a single 20-watt bulb with a smaller-type socket...or at least the bulb itself is narrower than the regular flourescent bulb (I'm using this to supplement the main 110w CF fixture). Does anyone have a suggestion for the best replacement bulb that will give me the best light for plants? Or should I just take whatever I can find?

Thanks...
Title: Re: Flourescent question
Post by: darkdep on February 19, 2007, 01:14:34 AM
Those are rather odd numbers; a 48" fluorescent bulb is usually 40watts (T12) or 32 watts (T8).  Is it really a 20watt bulb?
Title: Re: Flourescent question
Post by: BigDaddy on February 19, 2007, 10:14:45 AM
Sounds like it could be a T5 or T6 bulb.  I know there is a 34 inch 21W T5 and a 42 inch T6 thats 25W...

Honestly manytanks... whatever you can find over 5,000K will do fine.
Title: Re: Flourescent question
Post by: manytanks on February 20, 2007, 07:25:21 AM
Thanks, guys. Yeah, I know the numbers are odd, that's why I asked. The rating on the ballast says "20 watts" and it is a 48" fixture. I think the bulb is way past its rated life, so I need to replace it. Will look around to see what I can find and report back...