Power Compact Questions

Hi...I saw this item on Ebay and may pick it up....I just want to know if its good or ok.
FOUR PACK 65 W PC Aquarium light bulb SQUARE Pin Choose - eBay (item 230433037851 end time Apr-05-10 06:12:47 PDT)

I currently have 2-250w mh and 4 55w PC's. I need new PC bulbs and came across this and it looks very affordable, not sure if its good though!

A big question is I have 55w PC's now...would it be ok to put the 65w bulbs? Also what bulbs are recommeded for fish and soft corals...maybe a hard coral or two later on down the road!

There are several spectrums to choose from!

Thanks!

 

You will need to use 55 watt bulbs.

As for the other question I have no clue.

 

You cannot use 65watt bulbs on a 55watt system. The bulbs =, even if all 4 fit in the fixture, will not function properly.

I would stay away from the bulbs because you don't know the brand of the bulbs or the PAR of the bulbs. You won't be able to look it up either because the manufacturer of the bulbs is not listed. Spend the extra money and know what your buying is good.

 

http://www.bigalsonline.com/StoreCa...in__21?&query=55w&queryType=0&hits=12&offset=


55watts are hard to find.. but you'll probly want to go with 4 actinics with those 2 MH u have..

or 2 actinics, and 2 blue bulbs or 50/50



just make sure you order the right pin configuration..
http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=533



I would personally get 2 of these:
UVL 55W / 65WATT 454 (454nm) SQUARE PIN

and 2 of these:
UVL 55W / 65WATT SUPER ACTINIC (420nm) SQUARE PIN

UVL pc bulbs are the best out there for par, color, and longer useable lifespan over generic bulbs..IMHO. if you have 2 454nm and 2 super actinics, with your 2 MH lamps.. your tank will look awesome!!! if you go this route, please post some before and after pics for me..My avatar tank picture is with 2 uvl 454 pc bulbs.. nice blue

fyi: reefgeek.com has 65w uvl bulbs too.

 

You can use 65W bulbs in a 55W fixture..

The bulbs are from Catalina Aquarium and are so so.

The wattage is controlled by the ballast not the bulb. The bulbs will work with what ever ballast is pushing them without any problems or loss of productivity. If you get the actinic use them until they burn out.

 

or until the actinic look green and not purple

 

Have you seen that?

 

my 9month old odyssea actinic bulbs "really blue bulbs" were putting out a greenish light with age. ive since changed them with uvl 454 and what a difference.. night and day..



OLD ACTINICS "GENERICS/EBAY CHEAPIES":





NEW UVL 454:

 

Wow, yuck, good change

 

lesson learned buy good bulbs and get good results.. so if he get some uvl super actinics and uvl 454nm together.. I want to see that! will make his corals radioactive.