Let there be light?

[Jeff.06]

Hey, Purchased a fixture the other day, says it can take 2, t12, 20W flourecent bulbs, or 2, t8 15W bulbs . . . I recently put 2, t8, 20W bulbs in and they will not fully light up they only glow on the ends. Could it be I used
2, t8, 20W instead of 2, t8 15W bulbs. I was under the impression the wattage did not make that much of a difference, could the balast not be calibrated to handle these bulbs. If so its strange that it can take 20w t12's but not 20W t8's. Could the bulbs be shot(just bought them), though they both glow a little on the ends. I really dont know much about flo bulbs. But any info, would be great! ( Also, does anybody know of a manufacture that makes a hood for a 26 gal, that takes 2 t8 20w bulbs, I might have to trash this one)

Thank You

-Jeff

[RISK2123]

ive never heard of lights not working because of only 5 watts. usually 5 watts over the ballast max. is fine. a high enough wattage bulb can cause your fixture to catch on fire so be careful. try letting the bulbs warm up a bit sometimes when they are new only the ends will light up like that. sometimes they just need some warming up, and sometimes you will need a new bulb.

[wackydan]

Make sure the bulbs - both of them are properly seated in the sockets. Seen that same behavior before.