T5 bulbs are impossible to find!

[GrammyStrock]

I have read a few articles indicating T5 T8 bulbs are soon to be no more due to restrictions on fluorescent bulbs. I feel like I have searches the internet 2x looking for 30” bulbs. What is felt to be best alternative to T5 that is at a reasonable price point? Thanks to all

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I have read a few articles indicating T5 T8 bulbs are soon to be no more due to restrictions on fluorescent bulbs. I feel like I have searches the internet 2x looking for 30” bulbs. What is felt to be best alternative to T5 that is at a reasonable price point? Thanks to all

Did you mean 36" bulbs? 30" isn't a very common hobby-specific size IME.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I see 24, 36, 48, and 60" bulbs in various color spectrums available on multiple sites...

 

[fish farmer]

Did you mean 36" bulbs? 30" isn't a very common hobby-specific size IME.

I used to have an old fixture that took 30 inch bulbs. They were triton 50/50 25 watt, I could only find them in one catalog and then they went away.

 

[E.J.]

I've had no problem finding traditionally sized bulbs for my ATI fixture. In fact, I just installed a new set of 54 watt T5s from Premium Aquatics. I've never come across 30w T5s. According to ATI, they will not be slowing down production of T5 bulbs anytime soon as the ban only applies to general use fluorescent bulbs, not specialty bulbs for the aquarium and hydroponics industries.

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I've had no problem finding traditionally sized bulbs for my ATI fixture. In fact, I just installed a new set of 54 watt T5s from Premium Aquatics. I've never come across 30w T5s. According to ATI, they will not be slowing down production of T5 bulbs anytime soon as the ban only applies to general use fluorescent bulbs, not specialty bulbs for the aquarium and hydroponics industries.

Exactly. I found this yesterday regarding Canada's ban and it specifically excludes aquarium bulbs.

Canada's Fluorescent Light Bulb Ban to Start in 2026

Multi-phase plan to ban flourescent lightbulbs in Canada: Screw-based CFL ban begins in 2026; ban on most fluorescent and HID lamps by 2030

inside.lighting

"Spectrum-Specific Lamps: Certain lamps designed to emit specific wavelengths of light, such as those used in aquarium lighting or plant growth, are exempt. These lamps are essential for applications that require specific light spectra for the health and growth of plants or aquatic life."