[love_my_fish]

I was looking to possibly replace some bulbs. I hate my light for my 29 gallon, although the val plants look great, because the tank has a very dark appearance. The bulb is a T12 20W, and is 24 inches long (that's from tip to tip, is that how it's measured?) The fixture has a sticker on it that says 20W -- does this mean I can only use a 20 W bulb? :roll:

Same question for my 46 gallon. The bulbs are T8s, 30W and 90W. The sticker on the fixture says 75W. These bulbs came with the fixture, but I would have thought I could only use bulbs up to 75 W -- or is that per lamp?

Basically, if I want more light on these tanks, can I use higher-wattage lamps?

 

[jsm11482]

Call the manufacturer? I think the "USE MAX 75WATT" is a precaution, the fixture is probably designed to run a max of 75watt bulb, and if you go higher maybe it would possible melt or in some other way stop the fixture from working or even be dangerous?? I don't know, just a guess.

 

[love_my_fish]

Then I'm guessing that the print on the bulb is wrong/bad, and that they are both 30W bulbs, because I've had them for about 3 years and no problems.

 

[JouteiMike]

The lights themselves aren't what is measured, it's the fixture. If you buy like 20" lights, they should measure out a little less, but fit into a 20" fixture.

 

[jsm11482]

I'm sure the labeling on your tube is not wrong; I would assume that a fixture marked 75watt only can take 90watt bulbs but maybe they just won't run at full potential?

 

[crazie.eddie]

On your flourscent lights that are using T12 bulbs, you can use T8 or T10 (I believe). The diameter on the bulbs will just vary between each one. It does not mean you have to use a 20 watt bulb.