Need Replacement T5 Bulbs - But Dont Fancy The Cost!

[ZoddyZod]

Just got a new Fluval Osaka which comes with a twin T5 54w lighting unit. Bulbs need to be replaced but I'm not liking the cost in my LFS.

Is there an alternative that I could use?

Also, the brightness is probably too intense for the SA cichlid, non-planted tank I want to run - so if anyone can give appropriate suggestions based on this, it would be helpful.

 

[ZoddyZod]

for example, could I use something like this?

http/www.bltdirect.com/product.php?pid=7389

 

[hackmaster]

i've been having trouble with the look of my lighting spectrum at the min it's driving me crazy...

i want a clean crisp look like in my marine tank (1 white 2 actinics)

i have 4 t8's and they are... 1 actinic, 1 9000k solar light, (hobby brand) 1 about 480nm purpleish looking tube and 1 plant tube ( thats all it says)

if i can find 36" t8's i want 2 20000k whites and 2 actinics for a nice clear and not washed out look

 

[ZoddyZod]

Anyone?

I'm really hoping there is an alternative to the 'specialist' aquarium tubes.

 

[StandbySetting]

If they're standard length tubes then you can use any tube you like, try www.lampspecs.co.uk

 

[ZoddyZod]

If they're standard length tubes then you can use any tube you like, try www.lampspecs.co.uk

this is what I thought - but I had a niggling doubt the aquatics ones were somehow specialized for aquarium use. Thanks for confirming.

 

[micko]

Try iQuatics. I know they're doing some cheaper T5's

 

[StandbySetting]

http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tubes/860-and-865-Daylight_11

865 is quite a nice colour, shows the natural colour of the fish(es) well.

 

[ZoddyZod]

http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tubes/860-and-865-Daylight_11

865 is quite a nice colour, shows the natural colour of the fish(es) well.

ta - this is a much more affordable route.

 

[Tizer]

http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tubes/860-and-865-Daylight_11

865 is quite a nice colour, shows the natural colour of the fish(es) well.

ta - this is a much more affordable route.

http/www.iquaticsonline.co.uk/
.
Buy 2 get one free, got mine few weeks ago, next day delivery, good tubes well packed. Got the "Tropical" T5's 54W.

 

[coldcazzie]

What's wrong with the bulbs it comes with? Are they broken? Because if not, and you're not planning on growing plants, then you don't really need to replace them at all...

 

[ZoddyZod]

What's wrong with the bulbs it comes with? Are they broken? Because if not, and you're not planning on growing plants, then you don't really need to replace them at all...

one missing, so I can't even test the unit to see if it works at the moment. Also know that the one left in there is a 'marine' one, so probably wont give the best effect for a subdued amazon look that I want.

 

[coldcazzie]

Fair enough...

 

[Guest57649]

have a look here cheep t5 lighting, i then just bought mine from one of the many tube suppliers on the interweb