Fishypoon Posted April 29, 2005 Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 I have a 33 gallon tank hood that has a fairly weak looking fluorescent tube. I was wondering if there's any way I can convert that into incandescent and then I could fit 2 of those wonderful compact and energy efficient fluorescent bulbs that fit into normal incandescent sockets? I guess a good starting point for a 33 gallon would be to have 90 watts of lights (approx?) so if I could get two compact fluorescent, that would be 120watts! Any help would be appreciated! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nandopsis Posted April 29, 2005 Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 Well if you take out the old light. You could fit 3 - T5s in the old plastic light strip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishypoon Posted April 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 Whatsa a t5? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnsmith Posted April 29, 2005 Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 I don't know anything about them, but you can go to Home Depot's website and do a search for T5 to see some ballasts and bulbs. Sorry, I couldn't post a link to the specific page. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted April 29, 2005 Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 The number 5 refers to the diameter of the tube. The common sizes are 5, 8 & 12. If you replace your 12 with 5, you should be able to fit a whole lot more in the same space. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishypoon Posted April 29, 2005 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 Thanks! I'll give that a try! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arixonbarnes Posted April 29, 2005 Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 If it's one of the old 33 gallons (hagen) that takes a 30" bulb and you are converting I would suggest you switch to 24" bulbs as they are cheaper by far than the 30" which are only available in pet stores (as far as I know). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pat Posted April 29, 2005 Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 Check Rona also. If memory serve me, they have T4 that is close to the 30" length. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
African_Fever Posted April 29, 2005 Report Share Posted April 29, 2005 I'd highly recommend going with T5's. They've got them at Bumper Crop Organic Gardening which is a couple blocks South of Pisces on Edmonton Trail. I found that one blulb is all I really need over my tank, but bought way more than that just in case I ever decide to go crazy on the plants. Make sure you get the VHO's rather than the HO's as there is a big difference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FishManTy Posted April 30, 2005 Report Share Posted April 30, 2005 Fully agree with Kyle. Got mine with him... put 2 under my 90gallon... My plants grow awesome... Ideally I'd like to add another one... but 2 does the trick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nandopsis Posted April 30, 2005 Report Share Posted April 30, 2005 I have 4 - 24" and 2 - 24" actinic on my 165g. The tank is 30" tall and it is more than enough light. I'am very happy with them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishypoon Posted May 4, 2005 Author Report Share Posted May 4, 2005 I went to Bumper Crop organic shop and I must say I was absolutely satisfied with their service and with my purchase. They even helped me out clean my light hood and install the new t5's! Definitely would recommend any fish hobbyist looking to get more light to go there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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