Fluorescent Tubes

[holidayinn]

Hi All

Very recently I smashed my fluorescent tube. I have since painted the back of the tank and the replacement bulb is not lighting up the tank effectively. I have a 5 foot tank so am looking for a 4 foot tube. Does anyone know of any cost-effective web-sites where I can purchase a high powered tube?? i.e. a 4 foot tube which has a 50W+ power?? Any assistance is appreciated.

 

[SuperColey1]

There is no such thing!!! 4ft tubes are 36W. They may be available in 40W as a Ho output but then your ballast will still be a 36W and therefore you would still be putting 36W into the 40W tube.

I would assume your replacement is a different colour or a poorer quality and therefore seems not so bright to the human eye.

Try the Arcadia Freshwater Lamp (Classic Daylight) in Pets at Home which is a 6500K daylight tube.

AC

 

[holidayinn]

Thanks AC

I guess to replicate the original lighting may have to add another light. The replacement I bought was called Life-Glo, was told it was the most powerful light they had. I think because I painted the tank black it all seems darker. I'm in 2 minds now anyway, more light = more algae, may just try the reflector thing first!!!

My local Pets at Home dont do 48" tubes. Though i'll have another look tonight.

 

[SuperColey1]

Both the ones in Lincoln do so I would think that somewhere in London you will find an LFS that does them.

Hagen Lamps aren't very good IMO. PowerGlo is the brightest one.

Sun, Aqua and Life glo are pretty poor from my experience.

AC

 

[holidayinn]

yeah, my local definitely dont do 48" (just phoned them) at least dont have it in stock..i'll bell the other lfs

might try to swap the life for the power also..

thanks for the help AC.