T5 questions for 55g freshwater tank

[Roundtree]

I am still somewhat of a beginner and have a simple hardware question. Can I replace the bulbs in my hoods with t5 bulb? I am using a hood that came with a topfin tank. Thank you for the advice.

 

[mfdrookie516]

No, you need a new fixture if your current fixture holds T8 bulbs.

 

[kylekody]

check out craigslist for a t5 fixture. i got a coralife 30 inch fixture with two new bulbs (2 months old) for 50 bucks!

 

[Roundtree]

Cool. That's what I figured. Thank you both very much.

 

[Roundtree]

Are t8 bulbs that much different. This is for a freshwater tank. Does that make a difference? Just seeing what my best budget options are!?! Thanks!

 

[Roundtree]

My plant choices are Java moss, Java fern, Hygrophila.

 

[kylekody]

im not to educated in freshwater, especially freshwater plants. i know t5's are way brighter and put out more lumens per watt, and i would imagine they would do better for plants. but i have never had a problems in my simple fish only freshwater tank with a t8 bulb. i had a couple plants, just from petco, but i kept moving around and they didnt make it.

 

[GEOlson]

I started with a 24" T8 on my 29 gallon and when I switched to a 30" T5 Normal Output it made a big difference. For low light plants it's not required but it will help them more. It made the tank much brighter and vibrant too.