[mambee]

Are hoods with T12 bulbs being phased out?

I went online to order some replacement bulbs and there wasn't much of a selection. I like the bulbs which enhance the color of the fish.

Do I have to go to Home Depot?

Mike

 

[regal120gal]

Yeah ! the t12s are pretty good and bullet proof ,lasting years . Maybe I'm cheap and try to yard sale parts or online but I really do like the lighting of those bulbs . just picked up a two bulber48" at a garage sale for 5 bucks and it kicks butt on the t-5 and my catalina aquariums .but I would imagine they are being phased out also ace hardware or home depo still have some .The aquarium stores around me still have some .GOOD LUCK :fish:

---------------------------
120gl
pleco, peackocks Mbunas
frontosa ,hap, acai,electric yellow
kenyi,

 

[niktam]

lowes has em for plants and aquarium like 7$

 

[mambee]

Thanks. I'll check it out.

 

[Narwhal72]

T12 lamps in general are being phased out because they are not very energy efficient and contain a lot more mercury than a T8 or T5.

In general, any fixture that used a T12 lamp will also likely light a T8 lamp which is smaller in diameter and uses less electricity with the same amount of light output.

T5 lamps use even less electricity but use the smaller mini pin endcap and will not fit in a T8 or T12 fixture. They also require a different ballast.

Andy

 

[mambee]

Is it worth it to convert to LED lighting in the near future?

 

[Narwhal72]

LED lighting technology is changing so rapidly that you are probably better off waiting a few years. Fluorescent is still much cheaper in terms of the up front costs and the pay back on the energy savings for LED takes years. And that's assuming that the LED fixture doesn't fail which often happens with new technology.

Waiting a year or two before switching to LED will probably get you a better fixture for a lower price and you won't have buyer's remorse.

Andy