buying bulbs

guylovesreef · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 04:38 AM

I was wondering if anyone knows if you can buy 48" 6500k t5s at lowes or home depot? I need 6 and the only bulbs ive found online are from hobby or hydroponic specific sites. I didnt want to commit to 70$ if theres a cheaper place...

Pacblu202 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 04:46 AM

Also interested. I would think they are the same big no clue.

Frogfeet · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 05:04 AM

I don't think so. I've looked many times in interest of my aquariums. All I've seen are T8s and pretty much everything else besides T5. Maybe someone found that hidden corner though. You can get the 48" shoplight fixtures with T8s for about $25.

guylovesreef · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 06:01 AM

yea i kinda figured it was gonna happen like that

Pacblu202 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 06:15 AM

Couldn't you just use t8's? The only difference is thy use more electricity right? And get hotter

holidayhanson · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 06:24 AM

I have two 48" shop lights with 6500K bulbs. Each fixture has two bulbs but I have wired a ballast that is designed for 4 bulbs. It cranks up the intensity of th e light. It is called overdriving. You can read about this on reef forums.

It keeps the plants colored up very well and growing strong.

But no, have not seen t5 bulbs at HD or Lowes. I noticed the last time I bought 6500 spiral CF bulbs I could not find them at HD or Target. I hope the companies don't decide to quit making the 6500K temp bulbs.

guylovesreef · #7 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 06:32 AM

im actually using an aquaticlife 6 bulb t5 that i had over one of my reef tanks. it has a built in timer and runs on one power cord(i love it lol) it also has 8 blue leds for night/glow effect depending on the coral, but im not sure if blue leds would make a difference for this application...if so lemme know if i should keep them off or turn them on at night.

JimO · #8 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 04:55 PM

Home depot has standard T-5 daylight bulbs (6500k), but I found them in a different section than the other light bulbs. They were locations where the fluorescent fixtures are. However, they only seem to carry standard T-5 and the bulbs you are using on your reef tanks are likely high output T-5s, which have a much higher output. I've only found those at the local reef tank pet store or online.

guylovesreef · #9 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 05:22 PM

I'm switching the bulbs out in the fixture from the reef bulbs to the 6500k, would the ones from home depot work the same as the hydroponic bulbs for a vivarium?

Pacblu202 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-02-2012, 06:01 PM

How about this? At my menards.
6500k t-8
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