whats the difference?

tami1024 · 11/27/2008, 12:18 PM

I now have 4 65w 12000k and 4 65w actinic on my 75g sw. I need to replace them soon. In my research I have noticed the different wattages with the same kelvin. So my ? is what is the difference between a 65w 12000k and a 40w 12000k and is the 65w brighter than the 40w with the same k's? I notice the price varies.

Jflip2002 · 11/27/2008, 12:22 PM

You have to stick with the 65w I believe. Your ballasts are meant to fire the 65w, not the 40w bulbs. I would imagine the PCs are like T5s, and the wattage changes with lengths anyhow, but Im just guessing on that part. Definitely buy the 65w though.

Slakker · 11/27/2008, 12:25 PM

wattage = amount of power consumed by the bulb
kelvin = color of the light produced by the bulb

So a 65w 12,000k bulb will use 25w of power more than the 40w bulb, which, all other things being equal, means that it will produce more light.

iamwrasseman · 11/27/2008, 12:59 PM

stick with same wattage bulb , each has different requirements and a ballast doesnt change . if it were an incadescent buls like the ones in your living room lamps , yes you can chang wattages but certainly not with a ballast type of light .

tami1024 · 11/27/2008, 01:46 PM

is there a difference between german pins and straight pins? I found a sight that sells the german pin and they look like the same things that I have.

Slakker · 11/27/2008, 02:11 PM

"pins" refers to the interface between the bulb and the socket. This is another area where you have to be sure to get the same thing. If it's different, your new bulbs won't even plug into the fixture.

11/27/2008, 12:18 PM	#1
tami1024 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Jupiter Fl Posts: 430	whats the difference? I now have 4 65w 12000k and 4 65w actinic on my 75g sw. I need to replace them soon. In my research I have noticed the different wattages with the same kelvin. So my ? is what is the difference between a 65w 12000k and a 40w 12000k and is the 65w brighter than the 40w with the same k's? I notice the price varies. __________________ Reefer addict!! Current Tank Info: 29 gal with,1 multi rock, multiple mushrooms,1 rock nem, a few snails, 1 harlequin star,2 kenya trees,1 scallop and 1 mandarin goby named Gray!! 75 gal has 1 rock nem, 1 GBTA, 1 brittle star, 2 damsels and 1 tom clown

11/27/2008, 12:22 PM	#2
Jflip2002 Eagles & Tigers Fan Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 3,543	You have to stick with the 65w I believe. Your ballasts are meant to fire the 65w, not the 40w bulbs. I would imagine the PCs are like T5s, and the wattage changes with lengths anyhow, but Im just guessing on that part. Definitely buy the 65w though. __________________ I hate cheap powerheads. Current Tank Info: 40g Breeder

11/27/2008, 12:25 PM	#3
Slakker Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeastern Wisconsin Posts: 4,521	wattage = amount of power consumed by the bulb kelvin = color of the light produced by the bulb So a 65w 12,000k bulb will use 25w of power more than the 40w bulb, which, all other things being equal, means that it will produce more light. __________________ -Tyler Oceanic 58RR display/20H sump/fuge thread...follow the red house. Current Tank Info: Oceanic 58g, 20H sump, AquaC EV-150, 175w Hamilton 14k + 2x39w T5HO Actinics

11/27/2008, 12:59 PM	#4
iamwrasseman Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: syracuse Posts: 7,003	stick with same wattage bulb , each has different requirements and a ballast doesnt change . if it were an incadescent buls like the ones in your living room lamps , yes you can chang wattages but certainly not with a ballast type of light . __________________ This hobby certainly can put you in some weird positions ! Dave Current Tank Info: 40 freshwater,25saltwater 2000 gallons ,enough tanks for an army ?

11/27/2008, 01:46 PM	#5
tami1024 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Jupiter Fl Posts: 430	is there a difference between german pins and straight pins? I found a sight that sells the german pin and they look like the same things that I have. __________________ Reefer addict!! Current Tank Info: 29 gal with,1 multi rock, multiple mushrooms,1 rock nem, a few snails, 1 harlequin star,2 kenya trees,1 scallop and 1 mandarin goby named Gray!! 75 gal has 1 rock nem, 1 GBTA, 1 brittle star, 2 damsels and 1 tom clown

11/27/2008, 02:11 PM	#6
Slakker Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Southeastern Wisconsin Posts: 4,521	"pins" refers to the interface between the bulb and the socket. This is another area where you have to be sure to get the same thing. If it's different, your new bulbs won't even plug into the fixture. __________________ -Tyler Oceanic 58RR display/20H sump/fuge thread...follow the red house. Current Tank Info: Oceanic 58g, 20H sump, AquaC EV-150, 175w Hamilton 14k + 2x39w T5HO Actinics