Buying Light Bulbs

T

TBA

AC Members
Dec 14, 2002
30
0
0
It's time again for me to replace my existing flourescent light bulbs on my 55 gallon tank. I have two light fixtures: one is has 3 X 48" T-8 bulbs and the other has 2 X 48" T-12 bulbs. I've used several combinations and manufacuters over the years based on my experiences. I've read one poster that recommend using Quantum Aquatics' bulbs. Before I bought I was wondering what others would recommend and what what mixture of bulbs and style (i.e., 2 of one type, 3 of the other?, etc.)?

Also, any recommendations on who has the best price?
 
Mgamer20o0 said:
i would go with all t8 bulbs. they maybe less watts but they put out more light then t12 bulbs.
Click to expand...

Is this true? Do all T-8's put out more light then T-12 bulbs? If so, maybe I should switch mine out.
 
T-8 Data?

That's interesting as the post I read about Quantum Aquatics recommended using their T-6's to replace the T-12's, etc.? I'm really concerned about making the right choice when buying 5 bulbs at $15/per bulb. I'd love to hear what everyone says is their choice for the best light bulbs for growing their plants in their tanks and showing the fish in the best light (pun sort of intended)! Seems like a lot of experts on this website so I'd like to hear what the experts use in their tanks!
 
I bought 2 bulbs @ Home Depot yesterday for $6 (total). They were 48" T-12's from Phillips that put out 3300 lumens each. I actually was hunting for a T-10 or smaller, but the selection wasn't large, and these particular bulbs had the most intensity of any on the shelf in my size range.
 
Thanks for the help. I guess I'm surprised after reading the various posts over the years that with all the recommendations made to people to add more lighting to their tanks that there isn't more passion about what's the best light bulb or combination of light bulbs for growing plants and viewing fish. I've seen alot of people mention PAR and Kelvin ratings but not about what lamp has the best of all these. I know I have my particular favorites so far (Zoo Med Flora Sun and Zoo Med Ocean Sun). Take care.
 
Many have had good luck with the cheap ~$7/pair home depot philips daylight delux 32W T8. They put out more lumens (not the best measurment for plants though) than thier T12 counterpart plus the bulb is smaller and less restrike. Generally the smaller diameter bulbs are more effecient than the large ones, plus the smaller diameter bulbs have less restrike - especially if your using a good quality reflector.

I have used the lightning rod T6's as well. Although I cant really come to any conclusion if thier really better than others but I do like the Aqua-Flora Plus, for a plant bulb it is more pleasing to me than some of the other pinkish ones, its more purplish-blue. On my big plant tank I currently have 1 AFplus T6 along with 3 philips daylights. However, on my small 20g I have just a single AFplusT6 (15W) and have been growing several low/medium light plants, and thats less than 1wpg. I tried ordering thier 7000K daylight and Ultimate reef lamp too but after 3 unsuccessful shipping attempts I gave up. Big Als does not package thier flourescent tubes very well.
 
Thanks for the note Loaches. I was looking at Big Al's but it sounds like you've had issues.

That's always been another question for me about what's the best ratio of grow light type bulbs to daylight/viewing bulbs is best.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom