Really stupid question

[~reefchik~]

If you have a 65w power compact bulb and you want to change it out, do you have to stick with 65w (because of the ballast in the hood) or can you change to a different wattage?

I've got an obsolete CatFish Lighting strip with a 50/50 in it, and I need to replace it with a good daylight bulb for my new FW planted tank. 

Thanks and stop laughing....

[xXTheWendigoXx]

You're bulb wattage requirements are tied to your ballast. This isn't necessarily a stupid question because I know some instances where ballasts or wiring can support different sized bulbs (but for the life of me couldn't tell you how it works or on what types of ballasts etc.) but for safeties sake I would NEVER go with something different without consulting an electrician first.

[Joel]

You can run a 55 or a 65 watt pc in your fixture. 65 watt is the most common type to fine now days, 55 watt are not very common anymore.

Make sure to check the pin configuration before buying a new lamp, there are two types. Remove the lamp from the fixture and look at the pins that plug into the boot / socket. THey will either be 4 straight in a row (german type) or be a square (jap type)

Might save you a trip if you know what type you have before you buy a new one.

[~reefchik~]

I checked that, Joel, thanks.  It's straight pin.  Now I just have to figure out what bulb.  I need a 21" tube, somewhere in the vicinity of 6500 - 8000K.   Does Corallife still suck?  I know I can get one (GE) from Fosters and Smith but was hoping for something local, quicker.

[~reefchik~]

You're bulb wattage requirements are tied to your ballast. This isn't necessarily a stupid question because I know some instances where ballasts or wiring can support different sized bulbs (but for the life of me couldn't tell you how it works or on what types of ballasts etc.) but for safeties sake I would NEVER go with something different without consulting an electrician first.

That's what I thought.  Thanks!

[Joel]

I do not care for coralife products myself, there are much better options available.

As I am no longer a sponsor I am not really aloud to get into a discussion of products.

[HUNGER]

but i will joel  coralife sucks its as bad as jbj

[~reefchik~]

   That's what I thought.  Some things never change.

Who does make the best PC tube out there right now, any opinions?  (Joel, you're excused, lol)

[xXTheWendigoXx]

In this instance Joel counts as an electrician 

Also...

I do not care for coralife products myself, there are much better options available.

+1 on that so very hard.

[~reefchik~]

   Well, that's what I ended up with - Corallife.  And I ordered a 55w All-Glass branded 8000K from Dr. F&S as backup. 
Corallife has a rep for very short lifespans, is that right?