t12 florescent shop light for my fishtank?

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studd muffin

studd muffin

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Nov 16, 2009
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'MERICA
do you guys think its okay to use a t12 florescent shop light for my fishtank? its going to hang above the tank from two chains.
 
It's not ideal, but it will work. Most of the time they don't have proper reflectors, and the output isn't great compared to other types of lighting. But if you're just looking for something cheap, it will do.
 
screaminleeman;3882003; said:
Absolutely not. Please see my post in this thread trying to do exactly what you are thinking about!

http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307389
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They will work fine. If every single fixture you buy doesn't function, logic would tell you that maybe the problem isn't the fixtures. You need to check your ground. The rapid start ballasts on most shop lights rely on a capacitive field from the reflector to start properly, and it won't work right if it's not properly grounded.
 
how about t8? they have the specially made t12 bulbs for aquariums at home depot.
 
bob965;3882059; said:
They will work fine. If every single fixture you buy doesn't function, logic would tell you that maybe the problem isn't the fixtures. You need to check your ground. The rapid start ballasts on most shop lights rely on a capacitive field from the reflector to start properly, and it won't work right if it's not properly grounded.
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1 out of 6 works. I exchanged bulbs and sockets. The one that "works consistantly" works with any combination of T12 bulbs in any three pronged grounded socket. The other five flicker everywhere.

One interesting observation, I had an existing T12 shop light downstairs over my party serving table (Hell I'm guessing for 15 - 20 years). That thing is perfect. All T12 bulbs function perfectly in it.

They don't make em like they use to. Read the box, just about all of todays garbage shop lights will clearly state "MADE IN CHINA". If you see that kiss of death do yourself a favor and pass it by!

Studd Muffin, don't risk your fishes health, it is not worth it.
 
Yes T12 will work fine in terms of output. I feel like a broken record lately, but I use the T8 fixtures you get more light, more efficiency, and approximately the same cost. Plus new/replacement ballasts will be unavailable for T12 within the next couple years. Some states have various laws for how long you can still buy replacement bulbs, but for the most part unless things change you can buy bulbs for forseeable future.
 
mdb_talon;3882414; said:
Yes T12 will work fine in terms of output. I feel like a broken record lately, but I use the T8 fixtures you get more light, more efficiency, and approximately the same cost. Plus new/replacement ballasts will be unavailable for T12 within the next couple years. Some states have various laws for how long you can still buy replacement bulbs, but for the most part unless things change you can buy bulbs for forseeable future.
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yep t8's are the way to go for cheap yet effcient and bright lighting i have 2 four foot dual bulb fixtures on my 6 foot long 150 and they really put out a lot of light
 
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