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T8 tubes, replace or remove.

Joined
4 Jan 2021
Messages
58
Location
Gravesend
At the moment in my tank I have a Superfish retro LED and the Aqua one light fitting with 2 x t8 30w tubes. I will eventually upgrade to full led but for now I’m trying to work out what the cheapest option is. i Have no idea how old the tubes in the fitting are and could do with being replaced. If I do just replace them can I use standard white tubes or do they have to be aquarium tubes. What values would i need to look out for as far as lumen, Kelvin rating etc. The fitting has a clear Perspex covering and rests on a glass tray above the tank so no fears of water getting into the unit.
 
For looks any tubes in the 5000-6500k range is good
Not sure of availability but GE Starcoat tubes are commonly used .

These may be easier for you to find
Philips EUROPEAN MASTER TL-D Super 80 Brand 30W, T8 Fluorescent Lamp 6200K Cool Daylight White Color and Medium Bipin Base. (diameter 1", length 36"). Sold Individually..

TL-D Super 80 30W/865

Phillips " code" us fairly easy. A 965 is cri 90 ,6500K.
9xx bulbs are arguably " better"
:)
.https://www.lightingsupply.com/philips-f32t8-tl950-alto.aspx

Just make sure of size really.
 
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As to replacement w / led Plenty of options and " hopefully" better quality
Suggest using bypass types ( bypass or remove ballasts ).
CRI is more important w/ led
There currently are some multicolor tubes ( white/ red / blue) that are promising.
Also watch real watts. Should be around 1/3 less than current 30/ bulb i e. 15-20W. More is ok.

EXAMPLE only.. since it replaces a t5
Note 41 vs 55W.
t8
 
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At the moment in my tank I have a Superfish retro LED and the Aqua one light fitting with 2 x t8 30w tubes. I will eventually upgrade to full led but for now I’m trying to work out what the cheapest option is. i Have no idea how old the tubes in the fitting are and could do with being replaced. If I do just replace them can I use standard white tubes or do they have to be aquarium tubes. What values would i need to look out for as far as lumen, Kelvin rating etc. The fitting has a clear Perspex covering and rests on a glass tray above the tank so no fears of water getting into the unit.
Hi,
Really, it's best not to bust a gut looking for light bulbs. Any bulb that fits the lamp will be fine, however, as oreo57 mentions, you'll want to think about how your bulbs will render the colors of the fish and plants.

If you want ultra cheap prices check this website lampspecs Specialist Tubes
Still the cheapest place in town, after all these years. I used to buy their "meat display" tubes, which are a bit on the pinkish side. This is so that when you are shopping for meat they look extra red. You can buy one of those (or one of the Grolux, which is also pink, and get one of the Skylight 880 which is more on the blue side to balance out the pink.

The absolute last thing you need to think about with light bulbs is Kelvins or lumens.

Cheers,
 
Hi,
Really, it's best not to bust a gut looking for light bulbs. Any bulb that fits the lamp will be fine, however, as oreo57 mentions, you'll want to think about how your bulbs will render the colors of the fish and plants.

If you want ultra cheap prices check this website lampspecs Specialist Tubes
Still the cheapest place in town, after all these years. I used to buy their "meat display" tubes, which are a bit on the pinkish side. This is so that when you are shopping for meat they look extra red. You can buy one of those (or one of the Grolux, which is also pink, and get one of the Skylight 880 which is more on the blue side to balance out the pink.

The absolute last thing you need to think about with light bulbs is Kelvins or lumens.

Cheers,
Nice site.... Need to find one like it in my part of the world.
Ever use the below ?

Have you found there's 2 versions of the grolux?
A "wide" at around 3500k (bit orangy) and a non-K
pinkish version.
 
Nice site.... Need to find one like it in my part of the world.
Ever use the below ?
Hiya oreo,
Yeah, some years ago I did try the Osram 965 in T5 Compact Fluorescent. I'm assuming it was the same formula. Osram must have increased the budget for their Marketing department; "Lumilux Deluxe Biolux", I mean, really? Is that necessary? How many "luxes" can one swallow in a single mouthful? Ridiculous. To be honest, I'm not really a (supposed) 6500K fanboy. Maybe it's just a flaw in my eyesight, but these, on their own, seem to mute the reds and oranges to some extent. I prefer to enhance the reds so I mix them with the pinkish or orange(ish) type bulbs.

Have you found there's 2 versions of the grolux?
A "wide" at around 3500k (bit orangy) and a non-K
pinkish version.
Wow, I didn't know that. I've only ever known about and used the pinkish version. Grolux has always carried a premium price, just because of brand name and marketing, so I moved on at the time to the no-name brands which were much cheaper. A really nice orange type bulb is the Osram 840, which are actually a popular bulb in commercial offices. Again, you'll need to use these with restraint. Used on their own they turn the tank into Sunkist Orange-World.

Cheers,
 
grolux-jpg.jpg


Color difference between wide ("WS") and regular.
RP is retail package.
 
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