cheap 13W PC

liz+russ · #1 04/18/2003, 08:48 AM

I was looking into building a 10 gallon nano and looking around the home depot for lights when I got an idea... Now this might be known common practice, but I didnt find any info on it in a search so maybe I have breaking news? Probably not... They sell round ceiling lights that use 4300K 13W PC bulbs. And home depot had one that had 3 bulbs in it. It had an electronic ballast running all three bulbs. Now obviously these bulbs are too yellow for a tank, but hello lights sells 13W PC bulbs that fit in these sockets. So for 15 bucks you too can have an electronic ballast and sockets to fire 3 13W bulbs. I found that exciting, just thought I would share.

liz+russ · #2 04/18/2003, 10:24 AM

Im starting to think I really should have put this in the nano forum...

littleprince · #3 04/18/2003, 11:02 AM

Hehe, I'm sure the nano ppl could've helped you out.
So could've nano-reefs.com

But since you posted here...

You might want to consider the 13W Bayco work lights. Their in a yellow self sealed enclosure, and I think had like 65k lamps in them.

I think they might not fire the hellolights bulbs and may not fire any 13 w bulbs on the market. Your gonna have to look them up as I've never tried them.

I use desk lamps to supplement my MH, and they fire the hellolights 13w actinic bulbs no problem.

I believe the small Flourescent ballasts (15w but not sure) also fire 13w PC bulbs. So you might want to look into that. I believe you dont really need a socket. Just connect a couple wires directly to the pins or make your own.