need a source for a light bulb

[gale]

I went to the lfs tonight to get a new bulb for my 20 long. I think my current one is 20watts and is just a regular old bulb from the bulb aisle at walmart. So I want to get a better bulb, and want the recommended 2 watts per gallon. I tell the lfs guy (I believe it was the owner) and he said no such thing exists and all bulbs that size are 20 watts. Do I need two bulbs?? Or is there a single bulb that is 40 watts?

btw I was just starting to kind of like the lfs and then tonight I go in, an hour and twenty minutes before closing time. The guy is vacuuming and after he tells me there's no such bulb I was going to ask him about some tiny slow sinking food for my tetras and he just turns and starts vacuuming again while I'm still in the store. Maybe I'm sensitive but that seems rude.

 

[Lateral Line]

Most fluorescent lamps have a length/Wattage relationship due to the way they work. Some Triphosphor lamps can give more light per Watt, but they will still have the same Wattage per unit length.

There are certain special lamps which require more power for the length, Actinic lamps for example are generally more power demanding then a regular lamp of the same size.

Generally if you want more Watts over a tank, and your tank is not long enough to take a lamp of the appropriate size, you use multiple lamps.

There are some higher Wattage Power Compact Fluorescent lamps available, some of which have a suitabole spectrum for use over a planted tank, but they are exensive, and require special connectors - you will not be able to simply place one of these in an existing fixture.

 

[enchanted]

Lateral is right in that you need to change fixtures to achieve what you want and a simple "new bulb" is not going to solve the problem for you.

Your best option would be something like this:

http/www.hellolights.com/301xcofraqcf.html

or simply adding another 20W bulb.

 

[gale]

ok I think I understand. I can't afford to spend $58 on a light bulb and don't have the $$ or means to modify my hood or buy a new one. So I guess the best would be to get a coralife freshwater type bulb maybe? It would be the same wattage as the one I have, but a broader spectrum. I think mine is a standard cool white bulb. Thanks!

 

[enchanted]

Gale,
Go to home depot and buy Phillips Daylight Max Bulbs. They will cost you about $5.00 for a 2 pack for your size bulbs. These are 6500k and are the right spectrum.

Take the money you save and put it in a piggy bank to apply to PC lighting.

 

[gale]

ooh that sounds good. Thanks!!