Uv bulbs created equal

[smallblock]

Today I was in Augusta so I stopped by the only LFS store there. They are not a sponser so I wont mention the name. I got a quartz sleeve for my emporor 40 watt UV, the o ring kit and I was going to get a bulb. They handed me a aqua UV bulb and said they are the same bulb its just one has a different colored end. Emporor white and aqua is blue. I turned it down. Seems like if they are the same bulb the aqua UV housing should be as big or almost as big as the emporor. I think the companies are kinda related but I wanted to be safe.

Is there a differance in the 2 bulbs or was the guy right?

Also The LFS may be intrested in becoming a sponser which would be great for the Augusta Area.

 

[oil_fan]

Not sure if the bulbs would be the same but gut feeling says not a friggin chance. I mean if they were, you'd think then why have 2 different bulbs?

Ok...after a bit of Googling (googleing??)...it does appear they are 2 different bulbs. But I'm not sure what the differences are. Maybe the exact spectrum that they use? Just a guess. And no idea as to which would be better...

 

[ripped tide]

Its probably a marketing thing. Its sad to say, but kind of like AGA glass tops vs Perfecto glass tops. There is like a 1/4inch difference, but if you get the wrong one, it won't work. They may be the same bulb, just labeled differently. Phillips makes the bulbs that tetra and coralife buy to resell for their uv filters.

 

[smallblock]

hmmm, I'm kinda ticked now

 

[ripped tide]

... that you didn't buy it or that marketing sucks?

 

[smallblock]

I was responding to the other post. I don't know I would rather be safe, it just seems that the aquas would be similar in size if it was the same. Have you ever seen an emporor housing? Its like a 3 and a half inch pipe. I had heard that aqua UV was just a cheaper emporor though. I dunno.

 

[ripped tide]

If it is just the bulb, the length, pin configuration, and wattage are the only things that matter. I think they are both square pin, 40w, t5 uv bulbs. not sure the length.

 

[smallblock]

I'm gonna email emporor today and see what they have to say about it. I've spoken with them a couple of times and they were really helpfull.

 

[enderg60]

I can almost 100% guarantee they are the same bulb.

Rebranding is very common with bulbs. Hell we once ordered a 10w uv bulb and in the aquamedic box, was a phillips box with the bulb in it.

Since no one ever tests light out put on UV bulbs there is no reason to compete, so its usually all the same bulb and the only difference is the wattage.