Which compact fluorescent bulbs should I get

Originally Posted by Byron

This is a good fixture in my view, I bought two of them last summer to replace old fixtures that finally gave out. The tubes that come with it are useless though, but you can buy good ones. T8, T10 and T12 refer to the tube diameters, but T8 are more common now and some say are slightly more intense and less energy and last longer. Whichever, a good choice.



Speaking generally, all tubes of the same length are the same wattage, they are standard. However, some manufacturers now make tubes that produce the same intensity but for less energy (watts), so the wattage will be less but as I've said before, wattage has very little to do with light intensity. It works as a guide for T8's bearing in mind the newer lower wattage issue.

Your full spectrum tubes will work, the Colourmax mentioned earlier, at whatever wattage they make for this length.

Byron.

Originally Posted by HollyinWA

Thank you and good to hear, and this confirms what I remember reading before in another discussion. I figured I would have to get better bulbs. Not a big deal. If I am correct, I can find them at Home Depot?

I am sure full of questions! Thanks for valued responses!

Originally Posted by Angel079

I donno about Homedepot, but Lows has specific Aquarium Bulbs. But since I pers don't get these I can't comment on any specific details of them.
Like Byron mentioned I also always either get GE or Bright effects (Lowes home brand) either one is avilable as Daylight with 5000K and one with 6500K.