Good t12 lamp for plants - Lighting

Noto · 11-20-2009, 02:12 PM

Any suggestions? T12s seem to be left off of most of the comparison sheets. I know they're not as efficient as T5s, but I would rather not have to replace my existing fixtures.

flashbang009 · 11-20-2009, 03:27 PM

Home depot/lowes have an eco lux Plant and aquarium T12, im using it on my tanks right now, works great. However, i pair it with another daylight bulb because the plant bulb is made for emitting the red and blue spectrum, therefore isn't very "pleasing" to our eye.

Noto · 11-21-2009, 06:19 AM

Thanks!

gheitman · 11-21-2009, 06:52 AM

I have used the Zoo Med Flora Sun bulb in a half dozen of my fixtures for the last couple of years. It does a good job and I would recommend it. You can find it at http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS...escentlamp24t8. The fact that they are T8s means they work better in normal fixtures by not blocking as much light coming off the reflector.

Noto · 11-21-2009, 07:12 AM

Thanks, but my ballast is rated for T12s only.

gheitman · 11-21-2009, 05:01 PM

Are you sure? I believe that regular fluorescent hoods like those purchased with aquariums can use either T8s or T12s as long as they physically fit. At least mine can.

Noto · 11-22-2009, 05:59 PM

My fixture's not a commercially made aquarium hood; it was cobbled together by the previous owner of the aquarium. There are labels on the ballasts saying they are for T12 use only. I might redo the thing with T8 or T5 ballasts at some point, but I don't want to spend the money just yet. Thanks anyways!

bradac56 · 11-23-2009, 06:04 AM

Wal-Mart has cheap T12 or T8 lights for sub-$20 and they sell the plant bulbs for them as well.

- Brad

Newt · 12-01-2009, 06:10 PM

If you have a 2 lamp fixture the 40w Sylvania GroLux Standard and the 40w Sylvania GroLux Wide Spectrum (89 CRI - 3400K) will look good and grow plants nicely. I use this combo for dawn dusk lighting and in addition to T8 and T5HO.

You can get a good deal on them at www.saveonlighting.com BUT you need to buy by the case of six.
http://saveonlighting.com/p-4702-f40...cent-tube.aspx
http://saveonlighting.com/p-4703-f40...cent-tube.aspx

Newt · 12-01-2009, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gheitman

Are you sure? I believe that regular fluorescent hoods like those purchased with aquariums can use either T8s or T12s as long as they physically fit. At least mine can.

Not really. Take a Fulham Workhorse 5. It will run both 48" T12, T8, 55w CFs and 54w T5HO bulbs but the wiring is different for T8s. If you have them wired for T12/CFs/T5 and put in T8 it will light BUT you are overdriving the T8.