Replacement T5 Tubes

[MoreCoffee]

I've just got hold of a 2ft luminaire for my spare tank.

In this luminaire are 3 x 24W T5 tubes, however from what I can find out about them they are
14000k and I cant find anything out about the spectrum. My guess is that they are not going to
be very good for plant growth.

My main question is ....... are all T5 tubes the same ? (with regards to ballasts)
Will I be able to replace these with Arcadia or Interpet tubes of the same size/wattage.
(They are 21" straight tubes not the T5 compact variety)

The only marking on the tubes are:
'CH Lighting' (brand name - Chinese)
'F24T5/HG-BIO'

I'd like to replace them with tubes that have a better spectrum to maximise plant growth.
Having 72 watts over a 2ft tank should qualify as 'high light'
The tubes are switchable 2:1 - so if I settle for 48watts I could go for a seperate moonlight tube

Any ideas..... can I just swap 1 for 1 ??

Thanks
Mr G

 

[Andyg]

Hi,

I wouldnt worry about the 14000k tubes. It really isnt a matter of kelvin rating; that just a guide for ourselves. The colour of the tubes is a matter of personal taste. Whats more important is the intensity of the tubes. I have those same tubes and some arcadia plant grow ones too. Using the pearling of riccia as a guide, I find that the 14000k tubes produce a lot more pearling(therefore more growth is taking place)than the arcadia tubes. However, the combination of two arcadias and one 14000k looks better on the eye. Infact, the best growth and pearling I have ever experienced with riccia came from using those D&D 6000/22000 Aquablue plus tubes, also the colours of the fish look amazing. In my opinion they provide a greater intensity than any other tube I have used to date. I recomend you give them a try; in conjunction with some others.

Kind Regards,

Andy

 

[MoreCoffee]

Thanks for the response, I could find very little info about the tubes other than on a German site
and wasn't sure how good the translation was !

I assume then, that the starter for these 'CH lighting' tubes has no problems with the branded D&D / Arcadia T5's.

Now I can look a bit closer at some suitable replacements. The luminaire aarries 3 tubes, so I've got
room to experiment.


Thanks again.

 

[Andyg]

Hi,

Yes, you can use any brand of T5 tube on your luminaire. I recommend using one D&D aquablue plus for the tube that is going to cover the foreground of your tank. Incredible intensity and looks very sharp and crisp used in conjuntion with, say, the Arcadia tubes. Cardinal Tetras and Ram's look especially beautiful with this light.

Kind Regards,

Andy