Which coralife t5 bulb??

[ryanw]

I was told for live plants to replace t8 bulb with a t5. I stopped at LFS yesterday and they had 3 different coralife t5 bulbs. My question is which one should I get? And what are the benefits of each?

Coralife 6700k daylight

Coralife 10000k daylight

Coralife color max


Then I seen a 4th bulb while checking prices online but not for sale at LFS and it was coralife actinic blue light.

Thanks for any help

 

[Convict2161]

I was told for live plants to replace t8 bulb with a t5. I stopped at LFS yesterday and they had 3 different coralife t5 bulbs. My question is which one should I get? And what are the benefits of each?

Coralife 6700k daylight

Coralife 10000k daylight

Coralife color max

Then I seen a 4th bulb while checking prices online but not for sale at LFS and it was coralife actinic blue light.

Thanks for any help

In my 4 bulb fixture for my planted tank I run 3 6k and 1 rosea.

 

[Fresh2o]

For plants, the best choice should be the 6700k.

From what I understand, T-8 and T-5 bulbs are not interchangeable. T5s run on a different type of fixture. And T5s come in two flavors:
NO Normal Output
HO High Output
I don't think those are interchangeable as well.

 

[ryanw]

For plants, the best choice should be the 6700k.

From what I understand, T-8 and T-5 bulbs are not interchangeable. T5s run on a different type of fixture. And T5s come in two flavors:
NO Normal Output
HO High Output
I don't think those are interchangeable as well.

Ok I was told that I could replace my t8 with a t5 I will have to find out more details on this.

 

[JRMagno]

T8s and T5s run in different fixtures. If you want to switch, you will need a new fixture. Another option with a little DIY is a retrofit kit. Instead of buying a new fixture, you gut your old fixture and replace it with T5 bulbs and driver. When I upgraded my lighting for my planted tank I did a retrofit with Power Compact. It's cheaper than buying a new fixture, the DIY portion usually doesn't take long or require much experience

 

[ryanw]

Thank you. That was an easy solution lol. Glad everyone here is so helpful towards the beginners.