[Prev][Next][Index]
Re: T-8 fluorescents
>From: Veselis_Robert_A/mskcc_SCU at mskmail_mskcc.org
>Date: Fri, 10 Nov 95 11:39:08 -0500
>Subject: T8 vs. T-12
>
>Item Subject: Text_1
> >Hooray!!! Someone else who's dicovered T-8's. Remember that the
> watts-per-gallon rules are _very_ rough. T-12's vary considerably
> from one bulb to another. When I do estimates on what I'll need using
> T-8's, I figure as if they were 40W bulbs. (I know they're brighter)
> It's amazing to me how many people are still paying the costs (up
> front, replacement and electrical) for T-12's!<
>
> Excuse my naivete, but what is a T-8 and what is a T-12? Do you need
> special fixtures for T-8? Sounds like I should only get T-8 bulbs. How
> do I know this when I'm buying them in the store?
>
> Bob.
T-12's are the common, 1.5 inch diameter fluorescent lights. T-8's are
only 1 inch diameter. They are brighter, and you can pack them closer
together. I made a light fixture for a fifteen gallon plant tank that has
four two foot T-8's, run by an Advance electronic ballast (REL-43P2-RH-TP).
This ballast can run 3 or 4 T-8's, which can be 48 inch, 36 inch, or 24
inch bulbs. It cost me around $26.00. Using a light meter, I found that
the four T-8 bulbs put out about twice as much light as three T-12 bulbs. I
agree with Karen. T-8's are definitely better than T-12's. I have plans
to replace the two T-12's on my 55 gal with four T-8's and the four T-12's
on my 75 gal with eight T-8's.
Paul Krombholz Tougaloo College, Tougaloo, MS 39174