Sylvania 21657 F15T8/GRO/AQ/RP 15W T8 Gro-Lux Aquarium Fluorescent Grow Light Bulb 18 in. Medium Bi-Pin

SYLVANIA 21657 F15T8/GRO/AQ/RP – 15W T8 GRO-LUX Aquarium Fluorescent Grow Lamp | 18 in. | Medium Bi-Pin | 325 Lumens | 7,500 Hour Average Rated Life

The SYLVANIA 21657 F15T8/GRO/AQ/RP is a 15W T8 GRO-LUX Aquarium fluorescent lamp on a medium bi-pin base, 18 in. nominal, producing 325 initial lumens with a reference color temperature of 5500K. GRO-LUX Aquarium lamps are built around a specific balance of red and blue wavelengths for low-energy plants such as house plants and planted aquariums, rather than for general illumination. Average rated life is 7,500 hours.

Technical Specifications

Product Overview

SYLVANIA GRO-LUX Aquarium and GRO-LUX Aquarium Wide Spectrum fluorescent lamps are built for indoor growing rather than for general illumination. Light supplies the energy plants use to produce food and the other substances required for growth and flowering, and these lamps concentrate their output in the parts of the spectrum most useful for germination, propagation and growth, photosynthesis, chlorophyll synthesis, and enhancing vegetation.

The standard GRO-LUX Aquarium lamp provides the balance of red and blue wavelengths suited to low-energy plants such as house plants and planted aquariums, where indirect sunlight would be the natural equivalent. For high-energy flowering plants that need more red output, SYLVANIA points to the GRO-LUX Aquarium Wide Spectrum version or a 50/50 mix of the two lamp types. SYLVANIA notes that GRO-LUX Aquarium lamps are designed and manufactured for a specific red-to-blue wavelength ratio, so the published color temperature and CRI figures are reference values only rather than performance targets.

Beyond supplying growth energy, GRO-LUX lamps are intended to bring out the natural colors of foliage, flowers and vegetables, which is why they are common in display planting and aquarium applications as well as propagation. This lamp is a preheat / trigger start type and is not a self-ballasted or direct-wire product; it requires a matching fluorescent ballast.

Compatible Applications

• Planted freshwater aquariums and aquascapes
• Indoor gardening, propagation benches, and seed starting
• House plant and foliage display lighting
• Terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums using linear fluorescent hoods
• Greenhouse supplemental lighting during short-day periods
• Retail plant and produce display where natural color rendition matters
• Existing T8 18 in. fixtures with medium bi-pin lampholders and a matching preheat / trigger start ballast
• Low-energy plants requiring indirect sunlight

Before Ordering – Verify

• Confirm the ballast type. This is a preheat / trigger start lamp. Preheat lamps require the same starters as other preheat lamps of the same wattage.
• Confirm the fixture accepts a T8 lamp. T12 is 1.59 in. maximum diameter and T8 is 1.10 in.; the two are not interchangeable in most fixtures even at the same wattage and length.
• Confirm the fixture length. This lamp is 18 in. nominal with a 17.91 in. maximum overall length and 17.50 in. base face to opposite pin.
• Confirm the lampholder is medium bi-pin.
• Confirm you want the standard version. GRO-LUX Aquarium is for plants requiring indirect sunlight; plants requiring full sunlight are better served by the Wide Spectrum version or a 50/50 mix of both lamp types.
• Note that the 5500K color temperature and CRI figures are reference values only, because the lamp is engineered to a red-to-blue wavelength ratio rather than to a color target. Do not specify this lamp where a rated CCT or CRI is a contractual requirement.
• Confirm the packaging. This item ships as retail package.
• For planning coverage, SYLVANIA suggests roughly 15 fluorescent lamp watts per square foot at 12 to 15 inches above low-energy plants, at least 20 watts per square foot at 12 to 15 inches for high-energy plants, and about 10 watts per square foot at 6 to 8 inches for germinating seeds or rooting cuttings.
• Confirm the fixture is rated for the location. Aquarium hoods and damp growing environments require a fixture rated for those conditions; the lamp does not confer that rating.

Safety and Handling Guidelines

• Disconnect power to the fixture before installing or replacing the lamp.
• Allow the outgoing lamp to cool before removal.
• Handle by the lamp body; seat both bi-pin ends fully and rotate until the lamp locks in the lampholder.
• Fluorescent lamps are glass and contain a small amount of mercury. Handle carefully, avoid breakage, and follow local guidance for cleanup if a lamp breaks.
• Recycle spent lamps through an approved lamp recycler in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations rather than placing them in general waste.
• Keep lamps and fixtures clear of standing water; aquarium and greenhouse installations should use fixtures rated for the environment.
• Observe the recommended mounting distances above the plant canopy to avoid heat stress on foliage.
• Installation should follow all applicable national and local electrical codes.

Compliance

• SYLVANIA and LEDVANCE are registered trademarks; LEDVANCE LLC is licensee of the SYLVANIA product trademark in general lighting
• Average rated life of 7,500 hours per the manufacturer’s published ordering information
• Color temperature and CRI are reference values only, as the lamp is manufactured to a specific red-to-blue wavelength ratio
• Contains mercury — dispose of according to federal, state, and local regulations
• Specifications per SYLVANIA/LEDVANCE document FL039R1; specifications subject to change without notice

Ordering Information

• SYLVANIA item number: 21657
• Ordering abbreviation: F15T8/GRO/AQ/RP
• ADL Supply SKU: SFLB21657
• UPC: 046135216572
• Packaging: Retail package
• Companion lamp: GRO-LUX Aquarium (standard) is offered alongside GRO-LUX Aquarium Wide Spectrum in 20W T12 and 40W T12; a 50/50 mix is recommended by SYLVANIA for high-energy plants
• Series also available in 15W T8, 17W T8 OCTRON, 32W T8 OCTRON, 20W T12, and 40W T12
• Case and project quantities available

For wholesale pricing, bulk availability, or help confirming the correct replacement lamp, contact ADL Supply at 1-800-235-3489.