Lighting

[Josh1158]

What's the difference between T5 aquirum light fixture and the shop light fixtures I can get at the hardware store for 1/4 the price

 

[Hondatek]

My understanding is that they are normal output for the cheapo ones. The fish ones are usually high output or very high output t 5 .

 

[jetajockey]

Shop light fixtures are usually T8, which is a different bulb diameter and ballast. T5's put out more light intensity than t8's, and likewise t5ho's more than t5's.

Shop lights also have very basic reflectors on them, usually just a flat white. A high quality plant light will have a mirror like reflector on it, which also results in a higher light intensity since it's being focused better.

Switching from a basic t8 dual shop light setup to even a cheap t5ho (only about double the price, $40-50) is a dramatic difference.

This is far less of an issue with a non planted tank, though, and in my non planted or low light tanks I run t8 shop lights rather than T5hos.

 

[Josh1158]

K im looking to replace my saltwater lights and I was just wondering. The one I was looking at is a good 400 bucks. I can't remember the brand but its 48 incher with 4 T5's in it. I would like to go with leds but it's about a grand. I was just hopeing I could save alittle cash. I have a gun hobby that likes to eat up my cash too

 

[melosu58]

Just make sure that your T5 system is a T5HO system and not just T5. If you are planning a reef you`ll need the High output factor.

 

[Josh1158]

Yeah the brighter the better