Replacement Bulbs for the Aquatic Life T5HO Fixture

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking to swap the stock bulbs on my 36" Aquatic Life T5HO fixture with UVL 75:25 and super actinic bulbs. However, I've noticed that the 34" UVL bulbs are slightly shorter (about 1/8") than the Aquatic Life stock bulbs. I'm able to insert the UVL bulbs so that the end pins are aligned horizontally in the sockets. The bulbs light up but somtimes they go off. I would have to rotate/adjust the bulb slightly to make them stay on. The end pins at one of the sockets are only partially inside the socket due to the shorter size of the bulb. The pins at the other socket are completely inside. Even though the fitting is not completly as snug as with the Aquatic Life bulbs, the UVL bulbs still appear to be secure.

For those of you that have the Aquatic Life T5HO fixture, have you swapped out the stock bulbs? If so, were the replacement bulbs exactly the same length or were they slighty shorter? If you used UVL bulbs, did you encounter the same situation as I described above? Also, what bulb did you use in place of the stock bulbs?

Eventhough the UVL bulbs light up, I'm concerned that the small gap in one of the sockets due to the end pins not being completely inside the socket might short out and damage the unit. Is it important that the entire end pins be inside the socket or can you get away with part of the pins be inside for the bulbs to light up?

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions.
Thanks very much.

 

Just to make sure, you do know you need to twist the bulbs into place so they don't fall out right?

 

Yes, I'm aware that they should be twisted in. But what I was concerned about was that the pins on one end of the bulb will not be completely in the socket due to the sligthly shorter length (even though the bulb length is listed as 34").

 

Ouch, if the aquatic life bulbs are not the same size as standard t5ho bulbs, then you will constantly have to fight the battle of trying to find a bulb that will work. You may not have the choices in bulbs that most people have.

I liken this to a car that has 16.5" wheels. Sure 16" and 17" wheels are easily had by any maker and at any place that sells tires, but try to find a 16.5" and your choices will be limited to maybe 1 brand.

Good luck!