T8 and PAR

[mattcham]

How much PAR would two T8 bulbs give at 18" and 24" depths (distance below the bulb)?

Would using four T8 bulbs give more PAR than using only two T8 bulbs?
Sorry if this is a silly dumb question.


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[mattcham]

Found the answer.
Dual T8 bulbs give a total of only 30 to 40 PAR at 24" depth.
T5HO is not much better in terms of PAR, It's just more compact and energy efficient.
Increasing number of bulbs will proportionately increase the PAR.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

I would say a t5ho could be a lot better depending on the reflector quality and if it's a single reflector over multiple bulbs or if each bulb has its own.

 

[mattcham]

Yup, the 30 to 40 PAR range is dependent on reflector quality. 40 PAR if top quality reflectors. For high light at 24" depth about six bulbs of T8 will be needed. Kinda hard to fit on an aquarium. :-(

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