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The lighting revolution
I have been reading a large amount about fluorescent tube in the
mail. THis submission is to get a "new?" discussion going. Even as I type
this lighting is changing. I started my tanks using T12 tubes and recycled
ballasts. Today I have changed two tanks to T8 lamps - one with an electronic
ballast for two F32 t* tubes and the other with 4 F32 T8 tubes. I chose T8
ballasts for good light output and low energy consumption. I have been
using 4200K and 5000K tubes and recently acquired Durotest vitalite plus in
T8's (5500k). but there are many options avaiable.
The future is upon us we now have the following available:
1. new t5 tubes up to 40W and electronic ballasts readily available from
lighting stores.
2. new TL5 tubes and electronic ballasts. These lamps will enable
very bright tanks (see size section below)
example - 1.15 m tube - 45" long 28w and approx 2900 lumens cri 85
3. Electronic ballasts for small compact fluorescents like PL-s 13W
which are ideal for retrofitting those old incandescent hoods.
4. T10 tubes for T12 ballasts having the same power consumption but
putting out 10% or more light.
5. T8 tubes todays commercial replacement for T12
4' T8 tubes 32w approx 2900 lumens cri up to 95
tube sizes are as follows
T12 - 1 1/2" diameter tubes
T10 - 1 1/4" diamenter tubes
T8 1" diameter tubes
t5 16mm or 1/2" diameter tubes
supposed T3 tubes are also on the way
FYI
Wayne Mews