T8 Bulb Range

[greggo777]

Hi, this is my first post.

Bulb just died in my tank so have replaced with a spare. Previous bulb was Warm Light, and this new one, Day-Lite, seems a lot better.

I was wondering if there's much more in the range as would quite like a funky blue or red glow instead if possible. Or even have a timer where the colours change during course of the day (guess that's even more unlikely).

Understand that as my tank is quite old (I think it's a Juwel Rio 125) I cannot use the new T5 bulbs as the fixtures are not compatible - can I buy a new fitting to accommodate T5's?

Anyway, thanks for reading. My current bulb is T8 18W Day-Lite - 590mm, if anyone can direct me to a UK seller which stocks a varied range please let me know.

BTW, currently have 6 Swordtails and 6 neons. Thinking of getting 4-6 of another fish similar to the neon, plus an algae eater of some sort - which reminds me; is it possible to use chemicals to control algae? The tank ornaments are all dark green/black!

Thanks a lot.

 

[Aquascaper]

I was wondering if there's much more in the range as would quite like a funky blue or red glow instead if possible. Or even have a timer where the colours change during course of the day (guess that's even more unlikely).

You can get 'blue' tubes called actinic and they are usually used on marine tanks but nothing 'red'.

If you have more than one tube on separate switches you could add an actinic tube and have it come on before and after the main white tube.

You can upgrade to T5's but it would mean stripping out the old T8's and buying new ballasts and end caps.

Search online for 'Arcadia T8' to give UK suppliers.

 

[thereverendturtle]

If you purchase a plant bulb, they are usually pinkish in color.

 

[Aquascaper]

True, forgot about them....still not what you would call red though but if you were dead set on red then I suppose red LED's would be the only way?

 

[thereverendturtle]

I know here in the states you can get different colored sleeves for fluorescent tubes. They come in a variety of colors.

 

[Aquascaper]

Never seen anything like that this side of the pond, can't say I've really looked though