T5 bulbs smaller than 24"

Discussion in 'T5 Aquarium Lighting' started by Boogers, Nov 15, 2011.

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  1. Boogers

    Boogers Plankton

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    Hi guys

    I am looking for purple plus or fiji purple bulbs that will fit my fixture. It is built to run 16" 14W bulbs and I cant seem to find any bulbs small enough to replace these. The smallest I can find are 24". Anyone know where to get purple bulbs that would be small enough to fit?

    Thanks!
     
    Boogers, Nov 15, 2011
    Boogers, Nov 15, 2011
    #1

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  2. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    brunoboarder244, Nov 15, 2011
    brunoboarder244, Nov 15, 2011
    #2
  3. Boogers

    Boogers Plankton

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    Awesome! thanks!

    Do you think I can run two 18W bulbs on a ballast designed for two 14W bulbs?
     
    Boogers, Nov 15, 2011
    Boogers, Nov 15, 2011
    #3
  4. chelonianraces

    chelonianraces Flamingo Tongue

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    That would burn your ballast.
     
    chelonianraces, Nov 16, 2011
    chelonianraces, Nov 16, 2011
    #4
  5. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    You sure it would burn the ballast, I figured the bulb just wouldn't be as bright since the ballast can't feed it full power
     
    brunoboarder244, Nov 16, 2011
    brunoboarder244, Nov 16, 2011
    #5
  6. Boogers

    Boogers Plankton

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    That's what I thought too.
     
    Boogers, Nov 16, 2011
    Boogers, Nov 16, 2011
    #6

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  7. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    im not any electrical expert but i know the current passes through the ballast and is output at 14w so the worst that would happen is maybe there isnt enough power to light the bulb up, im sure someone will chime in who are more experienced electricians than me
     
    brunoboarder244, Nov 16, 2011
    brunoboarder244, Nov 16, 2011
    #7
  8. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    You would be running the bulbs with 14W of power instead of 18W. They wouldn't be as bright or put out as much energy if they were getting 18W.
     
    2in10, Nov 16, 2011
    2in10, Nov 16, 2011
    #8
  9. brunoboarder244

    brunoboarder244 Torch Coral

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    thats what i thought but someone else above was saying it would burn the ballast but i really cant see how
     
    brunoboarder244, Nov 16, 2011
    brunoboarder244, Nov 16, 2011
    #9
  10. Mr. Bill

    Mr. Bill Native Floridian

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    FWIW, I had a PC fixture on my first reef a few years ago, and for whatever reason, the bulbs came as 55 and 65w. I bought whatever was on the shelf when I needed it; I saw no difference, nor did I have any problems with switching.
     
    Mr. Bill, Nov 16, 2011
    Mr. Bill, Nov 16, 2011
    #10
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