Glo T5 Electronic Double Ballast 2X 54 W , What Tube Lengths Fit/work

[clivealive]

hi     advise please
 
Thinking of getting an Glo T5 Electronic Double Ballast 2x 54 w
The standard size tubes (46") stated are likely too long for my tank as i only have 47" gap in hood  and they are 46 plus caps.
 
1/  so what other size tubes will work with this  ?        (42" about perfect but cant see any or confirm that they would work)
 
2/  how much light improvement will I see compared to 2 T8's (42" tubes)
 
3/ (is it worth spending the money)    £90 ish for unit and tubes
 
4/ seen arcadia version 54w but unsure on tubes length with that too,
 
5/ what lights are best for showing fish (no plants)
 
6/  Are there other options (  cant suspend above tank though)
 
 
any idea's welcome as didnt get any replies from other post on this.
 
Many thanks in advance.
 
clive

 

[MBOU]

Well if that one is too big, why not get one for the T5's the next size down? Which will I believe be 39w. The size of the bulb is relative to the wattage so all 54w bulbs you are looking at will be the same size...
 
Get a double 39w T5 unit and bulbs.. Arcadia is a superior brand by a long way over the Hagen Glo ones, Arcadia were most helpful when my one burnt out, I called them and they offered to replace it asap and I had it free of charge the next day. I couldn't have got to the shop and got another in the time they got one out to me!

 

[clivealive]

hi found some options what do people think I have a 4 ft 18" deep with chiclids    currently have 2 T8's 42"  but never seems bright enough?
looking at the following and getting 2 tube unit:
Arcadia Electronic Controller - 2 x 54w T5    £34.99     (definately getting)

Arcadia J5 54W Original Tropical Pro Lamp 1047mm   £19.96  
Arcadia J5 54W Marine Hybrid Lamp 1047mm        white and blue combo) £19.96   each     
Juwel High-Lite Marine T5 Lamp 54w 1047mm Buy 1 Get 1 Free   14000k     £23.95   for 2
 
what comb will be best     , could it be too bright