Have a question about T-8 and T-12 bulbs

[jetski6]

I looking to replace some bulbs that I have on a 180g.
They are currently 4- 36" Coralife Actine 03 bulbs but it looks like they are t-8 bulbs as that is now there marked.
But when I'm looking for replacements all I seem to find in the 36" is T-12.
Will this work???

I've also got 2 MH in the tank, do you think I should stay with the 4 Coralife Actine 03 bulbs, or go with something else.

Thanks in advance for your assistance,

Jetski6

[crvz]

Probably won't work. T8 bulbs are an inch in diameter (8/8ths), and T12 bulbs are an inch and a half in diameter (12/8ths). And even if they did fit dimensionally, they're likely designed to run at different wattages, and so I would bet the ballast won't fire the larger bulbs.

[dkling]

Originally Posted by jetski6

I looking to replace some bulbs that I have on a 180g.
They are currently 4- 36" Coralife Actine 03 bulbs but it looks like they are t-8 bulbs as that is now there marked.
But when I'm looking for replacements all I seem to find in the 36" is T-12.
Will this work???

I've also got 2 MH in the tank, do you think I should stay with the 4 Coralife Actine 03 bulbs, or go with something else.

Thanks in advance for your assistance,

Jetski6

Hey Snellville, from Buchanan Ga.
If what ur using is working, I would not fix it. If I were going to do any light changes, I would be looking into more MH's for a tank that size.

I just went from 350w to 675w on my 65g reef, I will admit somethings are liking the increase more then others. Good luck

[Geoff]

the only difference between the T-8's and the T-12's is the diameter. the wattages are the same. if your endcaps can hold the different diameters than you are fine.

you need to also double check your pin configuration. most of the time they are 2 pin, but occasionally you can find single pin bulbs.

G~