T5 HO lights

[kwan]

I currently have 2 x 39W 42" T8 lights and is thinking of upgrading to some T5 HO. But the T5 tubes only comes in either 34" 39W or 46" 54W. My hood will not taking anything longer than 42", but the 36" seems a little bit short. Do you think a 36" will be strong enough to light up the ends of the tank? Should the tube run the full length of the tank?

 

[dskidmore]

I think as long as you stagger the tubes a bit it will be fine.

 

[Macrosill]

Yup, stagger the bulbs. 1 to the far left and the other to the far right. Overlap in the middle.

Good Luck,
Brian

 

[kwan]

But I intend to have one actinic and one white tubes.

 

[dskidmore]

That's fine. You may get a little bit of a color spectrum on the ends, but I don't think it will be a major issue.

 

[Macrosill]

Well, That might be a problem then. Can you fit the T5 HO bulbs as well as the T8's? That might be a better solution.
Brian

 

[dskidmore]

More light is always better!

 

[kwan]

I don't have room for both T5 and T8s. Is one or the other. I think I'll stick to the T8 for now. But I don't understand why they don't make a 42" for T5.

 

[dskidmore]

T5 is a newer technology. There is not yet a high enough demmand for it to make as many variations. There are also fewer choices for spectrum in T5 than T8.