Changing To T5's What Do I Need?

[millym]

hi
we need a new light for our 4ft fw tropical. i thought id take the plunge & get t5 high output lights. can you tell me exactly what i need to use these smaller tubes??? ie: do i need new starter/controller units?, i obviously will need the new sized bit that the tube fits into (am i making sense???) ive not seen/handled t5's and will be buying online so want to know what i need. knowing what size & wattage for our 48X18X12 fw heavily planted tank would also help me out heaps.
thanks apologies if this sounds stupid but as soon a i try & think about electrical stuff/wattage per G etc etc my brain puts up a block!

 

[BINKSY]

Hi, you will need everything, IE, new controller, end caps etc etc, I am using two 39 watt t5 lamps with reflectors 850 mm long and a 38 watt 1050 t8 lamp for my fw planted tank, plus im using co2, i assume you are using co2 because with that much wattage you will need it as not to cause an algae outbreak.


Cheers Gordon

 

[raptorrex]

hi
we need a new light for our 4ft fw tropical. i thought id take the plunge & get t5 high output lights. can you tell me exactly what i need to use these smaller tubes??? ie: do i need new starter/controller units?, i obviously will need the new sized bit that the tube fits into (am i making sense???) ive not seen/handled t5's and will be buying online so want to know what i need. knowing what size & wattage for our 48X18X12 fw heavily planted tank would also help me out heaps.
thanks apologies if this sounds stupid but as soon a i try & think about electrical stuff/wattage per G etc etc my brain puts up a block!

recommendations will depend on which t5 you are using, power/compact or just t5?

 

[millym]

now im more confused i think its the power ones im thinking about.

 

[BINKSY]

I would almost certainly go for power ones and not compact on that size tank, as you will need them if your going to plant heavy.


Cheers Gordon

 

[raptorrex]

I would almost certainly go for power ones and not compact on that size tank, as you will need them if your going to plant heavy.


Cheers Gordon

thing is power t5's are compact t5's. standard t5's use a two pin connection, like ordinary, tubes, one set at each end of a light. power or compact t5's have a single connection, often three pin. i think you may be getting confused there.

now im more confused i think its the power ones im thinking about.

this may help
http/store.livingseas.co.uk/index.asp?fu...T&catid=175