CF bulb source needed.

[Spicolte]

Hi everyone. Happy new year.

I recently acquired a biocube 16 that I’m actually setting up for a friend to be used in Oakland’s Fairyland.

The tank came with two CF bulbs, and I haven’t purchased CF bulbs in a long time, so I don’t know where to search for replacements.

I could upgrade the tank to LEDs, but I’m trying to keep their cost down which is why I bought this bio cube used.

Could any of you help me find a source to purchase replacement CF bulbs?

 

[MichaelB]

The old biocube ones are extremely hard to find and I don't think are made any longer. There are some on Ebay I saw in the past for sale for the biocube32. I can't speak on them for the 16 size.

You would want to identify the pin configuration when searching to ensure any potential replacements would match. By removing the old bulbs for pin (pin= the metal post that plug into the hood itself, there are a few different types straight pins, square and different numbers of pins - this you would definitely wanna verify before even bothering to buy a cf bulb unless it's a actual biocube16 branded one impossible to find I think) type and measuring length of bulbs.

To be honest I would just recommend getting a cheap light replacement and don't bother trying to find the proper cf bulb if it's even possible to find. High probability of waiting for it to get shipped to you only to discover later what you got might not even work. Online Reviews of the product from the site you plan to buy them would be super useful with trying to buy those discontinued lights.
The bulbs also need ti be replaced roughly once a year to keep the out put steady. I think the output degrade over time. They are also prone to over heating under the closed lid.


You could probably find someone willing to sale a used light that could work especially for a 16gallon tank.

Just my thoughts here makes more sense to me personally to find a used budget light.

Not a true attempt to sway you.

 

[MolaMola]

Hmm. I have two BC in my classroom that I use without the hoods. I unloaded my huge stash of 55W lamps couple months ago but forgot about the ones at the school which I assume are the 28W. I can check for you Monday. I think the guy who took most of my stash ended up taking them to ewaste due to no takers. You could check on CL under PC Lights to see if he is still offering them; there were a few of the small ones, I think.

 

[MolaMola]

Just found a used 28W 10K lamp in my ewaste box. No idea how long it was used. Also don’t know if this is the right bulb for BC16. It’s like 12” long. Square pin. Honestly, I think it is useless. I would switch to LED. Will let you know Monday if I find any new lamps at the school, though.

 

[Spicolte]

Hmm. I have two BC in my classroom that I use without the hoods. I unloaded my huge stash of 55W lamps couple months ago but forgot about the ones at the school which I assume are the 28W. I can check for you Monday. I think the guy who took most of my stash ended up taking them to ewaste due to no takers. You could check on CL under PC Lights to see if he is still offering them; there were a few of the small ones, I think.

Thank you. That would be great if you have some bulbs left.

 

[Spicolte]

The old biocube ones are extremely hard to find and I don't think are made any longer. There are some on Ebay I saw in the past for sale for the biocube32. I can't speak on them for the 16 size.

You would want to identify the pin configuration when searching to ensure any potential replacements would match. By removing the old bulbs for pin (pin= the metal post that plug into the hood itself, there are a few different types straight pins, square and different numbers of pins - this you would definitely wanna verify before even bothering to buy a cf bulb unless it's a actual biocube16 branded one impossible to find I think) type and measuring length of bulbs.

To be honest I would just recommend getting a cheap light replacement and don't bother trying to find the proper cf bulb if it's even possible to find. High probability of waiting for it to get shipped to you only to discover later what you got might not even work. Online Reviews of the product from the site you plan to buy them would be super useful with trying to buy those discontinued lights.
The bulbs also need ti be replaced roughly once a year to keep the out put steady. I think the output degrade over time. They are also prone to over heating under the closed lid.


You could probably find someone willing to sale a used light that could work especially for a 16gallon tank.

Just my thoughts here makes more sense to me personally to find a used budget light.

Not a true attempt to sway you.

You are probably correct and I agree with you. I was hoping to avoid any added costs for my friends. Thank you for your help and advice.

 

[Spicolte]

Just found a used 28W 10K lamp in my ewaste box. No idea how long it was used. Also don’t know if this is the right bulb for BC16. It’s like 12” long. Square pin. Honestly, I think it is useless. I would switch to LED. Will let you know Monday if I find any new lamps at the school, though.

I just saw a post on another forum where someone is still running their original CF lights with their BioCube16...and the photo of corals was amazing. Given I only want to add in some mushroom corals for the clownfish to swim with, perhaps I may be able to continue on with the current CF bulbs inside the hood.

What I can't find though is the spectrum drop off on CF bulbs. If it is a much slower degradation than traditional fluorescent bulbs, perhaps I will be ok with these current bulbs. When they burn out though, then I am trouble. LOL

Anyone here know the spectrum change in CF bulbs? If it is very slow, then I can probably keep using these CF bulbs.

 

[Spicolte]

I found this in my box of “stuff”. If memory serves it was used for a refugium.

Anyone familiar with this light? The footprint fits right inside the bulb area of the biocube. I’d need to do some surgery to remove the “arm” and get the cord out, but aside from that it’s plug and play.

Just don’t know if it’s too much for the size of this tank, so looking on line for info but any help here is appreciated.

Only found this online. 9 watts:

JBJ Aquarium JBJ Light Lyra - 9W LED Peninsula Light Bar

The JBJ Light Lyra - 9W LED Peninsula Light Bar has two channels with blue and white LEDs and has an adjustable flip-up design.

fishandcoralstore.com