Lighting Question

[Sharon]

I have to replace a light in one of my 29 gallon tanks. It's labelled F18T8. There is nothing like that at the store...I purchased an aquari-lux 20watt...Fl20. I know nothing about this stuff. The new light is 24 inches, so it fits, but I'm concerned they won't be the same wattage...and I assume that matters in regards to the ballast???

[cocoa_pleco]

that means you have a T8 bulb, so a regular 20w fluorescent bulb is what you need

[Wild Turkey]

yup, just means the diameter of the bulb, t8 is common in all things, no just the aquarium hobby. Cheaper and easier to buy replacement t8s in the right spectrum at a light shop, rather than a fish shop. Home depot is hit or miss, but they will order stuff for you. I think the closest t8's come is 6500k

[Sharon]

Thanks ...I've just fitted it and although it's labelled as able to 'stimulate plant growth' it doesn't seem as bright. Would a replacement T8 be better, if I can get it at a lighting store...

[Wild Turkey]

Thanks ...I've just fitted it and although it's labelled as able to 'stimulate plant growth' it doesn't seem as bright. Would a replacement T8 be better, if I can get it at a lighting store...

Just make sure its the right spectrum, it matters more that the wattage