Light Tubes.

[Nick16]

hi, i have been asking this question for ages and got no replies. I have 30w 900mm tube (36 inch) but its not bright enough for my plants. does any company make a light tube that is still 900mm (36 inch) but puts out more than 30w. someone must know!!!

 

[Nick16]

anyone?

 

[raptorrex]

there don't seem to be any. i would suggest you add another unit of the same as you have now. it will cost a bit more, but that's just the way it goes.

 

[Nick16]

i know. it sucks. i have a t8 but if i got the correct ballast could i add a t5? becuase they have higer wattage. however i dont know what lenght tube i would need.! but i dont think there is a 36 inch t5 tube

 

[raptorrex]

i know. it sucks. i have a t8 but if i got the correct ballast could i add a t5? becuase they have higer wattage. however i dont know what lenght tube i would need.! but i dont think there is a 36 inch t5 tube

i think you will find the length has little effect. its the wattage of the starter that matters. providing the tube is the correct rating all should be ok.

 

[Nick16]

here is the hood of my tank.

the opposite side to the light is where i want to put the new bulb. as it is the best place. it is also at a nice angle. i dont think it matter about the length of my tube as surely i can attach the end caps through the hood at and place. so if i have one 2 inches shorter than my t8, it wodnt matter because i would attach the end caps 2 inches nearer. am i correct? will it work? i have seen a 39w t5 tube thats 34 inches. my t8 is 36 inches so it should fit. i think 39w is the brightest i can get for a tube of that lenght but i may be wrong.

 

[raptorrex]

here is the hood of my tank.

the opposite side to the light is where i want to put the new bulb. as it is the best place. it is also at a nice angle. i dont think it matter about the length of my tube as surely i can attach the end caps through the hood at and place. so if i have one 2 inches shorter than my t8, it wodnt matter because i would attach the end caps 2 inches nearer. am i correct? will it work? i have seen a 39w t5 tube thats 34 inches. my t8 is 36 inches so it should fit. i think 39w is the brightest i can get for a tube of that lenght but i may be wrong.

yep that all sound right, BUT your ballast, must be for 39w and for T5. as far as i know you have to have the dedicated ballast to use them.

 

[Nick16]

wow, it has to be that specific! i thought you could get say a 45w one and run anything less than that off it but i am probably wrong. where can you get these ballast things?

 

[raptorrex]

wow, it has to be that specific! i thought you could get say a 45w one and run anything less than that off it but i am probably wrong. where can you get these ballast things?

Ebay, or any of the really good aquatic stores.

 

[Nick16]

but they are soo confusing, i just want to get a t5 39w tube. and know which exact ballast from a certain shop is the one to get. there is so many of them. can you get me a link, that might help me!! thanks.