Higher Wattage Bulbs?

[showjyr]

My 55 gal has the two piece top with two seperate fluorescent bulbs. They are the standard 2 pin at each end. Does anyone make a replacement bulb for them that would get me into the 2wpg range without changing the whole hood?

 

[dc3]

The split hood takes T8 18" tubes most likely - my dad's got a setup like that on his 55g - turning out 30w total. To achieve 2wpg you're looking at 110w total and from what I've seen, you're looking at compact fluorescent territory. Even my 36" dual T5 setup only puts out 42 watts...

 

[rdd1952]

It is pretty much impossible to get 2 wpg with flourescent bulbs unless you add another double light strip and even then you may not be able to achieve it. You have to upgrade to power compacts to get that.

 

[ox5477]

Yes, as both responders above said, you need to upgrade the fixture. simply changing the bulbs will not increase wattage as anything beyond the max output of the fixture will only operate at that max output. When wanting brighter lights, buying a new fixture is the only way to increase power.

 

[dc3]

Has anyone tried to canibalize those compact fluorescent desk lamps? I have one from Walmart - $10 affair - I figure if I can gut the insides of an 18" hood / hump - then mount the CF's at either end. Each CF is rated at 13w, so that will make for 26w if it works... - just an experiment I want to try on my 10g hood. The stock tube is 15w and a buying a Lightening Rod Flora or a Hagen plant tube will cost me $15 anyway. I kno it doesn't get you to 2 wpg on a 55g tho...

If you're looking for sheer output - buy a 48" 4-tube fluorescent shoplight - at 32w apeice that's gonna get you 128w which which put u over the 2wpg mark...