One word: Efficiency

The newer types of flourescent tubes and ballasts are more efficient
than older types. Just like a 13W CF tube can emit a similar amount of
light than a 60W incandescent bulb can, a T8 tube is able to put out
more lumens (light) per watt consumed than T12 tubes can. T5 and CF
tubes are even more efficient than T8s. Let's remember that the
wattage is the amount of power consumed, not the amount of power
emitted. Infact even among the same type of bulbs, there are more
efficient ones using better gases etc... In reality the ballast has
probably more to do with the efficiency than the bulb itself, however
it's the combination of the two that make the difference. Just like
cars are getting more efficient and giving us more miles per gallon
than ever before, the same thing is happening with lighting.

You can see a retrofit I did here from a T12 fixture to a T8. I am
also overdriving the lights which is always an easy mod you could do
to the tripple T8 fixture one day.

http://www.gpodio.com/overdrive_twin_strip.htm

Hope that helps
Giancarlo Podio




wrote in message . ..
Giancarlo, Bob Wu

Thanks for the information. I had just about given up on the all-glass
triple tube because I discovered that they would be only 96 watt
(3x32) and not the 120watt(3x40) that I thought they were. I was ready
to go with a Compact Fluorescent (2x55) instead thinking 110watt was a
lot higher.

I am surprised that you say that the 32watt bulbs put out more light
than the 40watt bulbs; this is news to me. I am currently using a shop
light ($15), but it does have an electronic ballast. Just to calm my
inner skeptic could either of you explain why the lower watt bulbs
would produce more light?

LFS = Local Fish Store

Much thanks for the info !



On 2 Feb 2004 12:55:10 -0800, (Giancarlo Podio)
wrote:

The light should become more consistant along the length of the tube
as the tube warms up. I wouldn't worry about the T12s, the wattage you
are referring to is what they consume, not the amount of light they
emit. T8s emit more light than T12s per watt consumed and in most
cases T8s are run by higher frequency electronic ballasts that further
increase the light output compared to magnetic ballasts used in many
T12 fixtures.

You should do well with the tripple T8, I've been using it on my
90gallon for some time now and it's doing great. I find it puts out
about the same amount of light as two 55W CF bulbs, only it gives you
a better spread and the possibility to mix different tubes together.

Hope that helps
Giancarlo Podio
www.gpodio.com

(BobWu) wrote in message . com...
I bought two All Glass triple light strips for my 75 gallon tanks.
They each come with 3 All Glass T8 lights preinstalled. When I hooked
them up and turned on the lights, I noticed that all 6 light bulbs are
very bright at each end, but very dim in the middle. Is this something
normal with T8 48" light? Or maybe I should go back to the store and
ask for exchange? These are brand new lights. Suggestions? Thanks.