T5 Bulb Wattage Question

[pollywog08]

I have a Nova Extreme with the 4x54 T5's. One of the bulbs burned out. My LFS has the bulb but in a 28 watt, both the original bulb and the possible replacement are 10K's. So my question is, what is the difference in watts, besides the obvious?

Is the lower wattage better/worse for the aquarium life forms?

 

[toosalty]

Are you only keeping fish or have some corals as well? If its just fish then nothing would happen if you go with a lower watt bulb. The only thing I think of is it won't be as bright.

 

[reefraff]

If you install a lower wattage lamp the ballast will try to push the higher wattage through it. The lamp might burn out pretty quick, might not.

 

[wattsupdoc]

Originally Posted by Pollywog08
http:///forum/post/2753388
I have a Nova Extreme with the 4x54 T5's. One of the bulbs burned out. My LFS has the bulb but in a 28 watt, both the original bulb and the possible replacement are 10K's. So my question is, what is the difference in watts, besides the obvious?

Is the lower wattage better/worse for the aquarium life forms?

The lower wattage bulb is a normal output (NO) the higher wattage bulb is a high output (HO). Your fixture is made to drive HO bulbs. Putting a NO bulb in it will probably drive it, but it will also has a shorter life. Possibly very short, possibly almost as long. You wont know and it may be a case by case basis. You also though wont know exactly how the bulb is responding. IMO use an HO bulb only.
BTW, I was recently in the L.A.

area. A guy in The Old Time Pottery told me he was from L.A. just like your location states. I am guessing then that's kinda a common thing?

My wife and I really love that area down there. Gulf Shores, Foley, Orange Beach..... I'm jealous.

 

[pollywog08]

It is nice......until Hurricane season.