Normal output T5 bulbs

[Myka]

Who still makes normal output T5 bulbs? I'm looking for 21 watt 36" bulbs for a client. Is Coralife the only option?

[gobytron]

Outside of a hardware store, I haven't seen much.

I would think that the big box pet stores might have some...

[Myka]

That's all I could come up with too. I'll go hunting today.

[mike31154]

Problem is, the hardware store is unlikely to have T5 tubes in the colour spectrum(spectra?) we typically prefer/need for our hobby. Folks may not want to see it happen, but fluorescent lighting will continue to become more difficult to find, particularly for our niche market. Going the way of the incandescent.... extinct.

[Myka]

Yeah Mike, I won't even bother with the hardware store. I stopped by PetSmart, and all they had were freshwater spectrum Aqueon bulbs in 25 watts for 36". I don't think I can run 25 watts in 21 watt fixture can I??

[mseepman]

Mindy, I think that current USA and Deepblue Solarmax are also choices for you. Not sure who still retails them in Canada but they both make 21w 36" bulbs in aquarium colors for you. Hope that helps.

[Myka]

Ok, thanks Mark. I might have to order online. I'll try the two Petlands today.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Myka

Yeah Mike, I won't even bother with the hardware store. I stopped by PetSmart, and all they had were freshwater spectrum Aqueon bulbs in 25 watts for 36". I don't think I can run 25 watts in 21 watt fixture can I??

Don't think 3 watts is going to be an issue, but then again, I have no idea what tubes you were looking at. If it's a 36" tube & not HO, then it should be standard wattage. Possibly a misprint on the packaging? Worst case is the 25 watt tube would run a little dimmer and probably last longer. Good look in your quest to keep your client running!

[Myka]

Thanks Mike. It's to get a client running - he bought an 8' AquaVista panoramic wall tank and wants SW...should be a challenge to make a 32 gallon tank that spreads 8' look full.

[Myka]

Wow, this is turning out to be more difficult than I thought! All the local stores only have freshwater spectrums in stock. I can't even find somewhere to order online. I tried Big Al's even *cringe* and even though they carry the Blue Life SPS bulbs they only had 1 actinic and 1 20K in stock for blues, and I need two blues, two "white". So I can't even find a matching pair! Ugh...