FPL27EX-* Compact Florescent Bulb - ADA Solar Mini

[gnatster]

Planning and purchasing for my next aquarium is underway. In keeping fish off and on for nearly 50 years, I've never had a betta. That's about to change, just ordered an UNS 5T. The footprint is nearly exact to the ADA Mini S, which was a failed nano reef. I still have the light fixture that paired with the ADA tank. The ADA Solar Mini uses an FPL27EX type compact fluorescent bulb. I've also come to find out these are now "vintage" and selling for $400+ on eBay.

The plan is low-tech, no CO2, moss, buce, anubias on rock and wood with a sand bottom littered with botanicals blackwater tank.

This brings to me the light fixture. I'm still using the original bulb; it's been fine over the pot of pothos for 14 years. ADA no longer has a bulb; it's been out of production for years. They could not guide me to a replacement.

Panasonic and Mitsubishi have a bulb that fits the : : pin orientation, and is the correct 27 watts. Color Temp 5k, CRI 100. Model FPL27EX-N. Spectrum details are lacking. In the FPL27EX-* there are other bulbs. I'm not finding much on them. Does anyone have more info on this now "vintage" equipment?

 

[Art]

Hey Nathan,

I never used the ADA Solar Mini but used some of the older ADA fluorescent bulbs in other early light fixtures of theirs. They special ordered their units with a color temp at 7K. If I remember correctly, this made the greens pop and the tank looked very crisp. These at Norman Lamps are 6500K which is pretty close. Perhaps they would work? FPL27EX-N - 27 watt, FPL Tube CFL, GY10Q-4 (4-pin) base, 6500K Daylight

 

[gnatster]

Thanks, Art, I've only found the N variant at 5000K. The one from Norman is the D variant at 6500K. I'll order 2.

 

[Koan]

I've never had a betta. That's about to change

Got this guy



From this guy. Can't recommend Tantanapon's stock highly enough!

We call him Stevie



PM me for info if you've never shipped directly from a breeder in Thailand , it's super easy