T5 lighting

[Waterloo Kid]

Just incase anyone was wondering how T5 tubes compare to t8s here's a few pics of them side by side. The first shows 2 T5s and a T8. The T8 is a Hagen Aqua Glo, the top T5 is a D&D Daylight tube and the bottom T5 is a Plant Pro tube. Unfortunately my camera plays obout with white balance and exposure so the pics aren't exactly what you see in the real world. I took both pictures with white balance set to daylight. All tubes are approx the same age (6 months or so). The T8 is a 40W tube and the T5s are both 54W. The extra brightness is obvious! Way over the extra wattage.

WK

 

[Waterloo Kid]

This is a comparison between the two T5s. As you can make out from the pic the left hand tube is rated at 6000K. The Plant Pro tube casts a very obvious pink hue but the plants love it! Just balance the pink with a midday type tube and things aren't too bad.

WK

 

[George Farmer]

Thanks WK. Very helpful - I can definitely see myself upgrading to T5 in the future.

 

[Tiggs]

i use 2 T8 15 w (just to light the back of a corner tank) then 2 X39w plant pro T%...as above its a bit pink so i added 2 X 55w T5 compacts (daylight)....looks great now and give 220w over 90 us gallons (all with reflectors) plants need cutting back every other day!