confused about a light

[grubsnaek]

can a T8 and a T12 bulb work in the same ballast. it's only a 30w bulb but the ones that are in there are T8 can i put in the T12. dont know the difference really.

 

[scsinet]

No they can't. A T12 and T8 bulb of the same length have different wattages, and a ballast is only designed to run one wattage of lamp.

 

[elkomom]

just got 2 shop lights from walmart. they take t8s and/or t12s got both, 4 bulbs, all under 30 dollars.

 

[rudezuk]

One problem with those lights is that they dont have water resistant end caps. The metal will corrode pretty fast over a salt tank!
If your looking for a cheap fixture, check out aquatraders and get a CF light.

 

[scsinet]

They are also made of standard steel and are not treated to resist corrosion. They will rust in a matter of weeks and leech heavy metals into the water.
There are reasons why aquarium lighting systems are so expensive.