Another Light Question

[ksam]

I'm changing a few of my light units atm, and have the option of either going for a double T8 unit or a double T5 unit. The T8 would be 30" tubes so 25watts x2, the T5 would be 24" tubes so 24watts x2..................so only 2watts difference but surely the T5 would be better There's obivously a diffence in the price of the two units

which would people advise to get? gona be ordering them asap

Thanks

 

[Themuleous]

I've not had any myself but I know T5's get very hot and this can melt the plastic fitting the tube goes in on some systems. And as you say there is the cost thing. How big is the tank in gallons?

Sam

 

[ksam]

I've got a compact T5 and that gets really hot!! I've had special metal fixtures made to hold it in place so it doesn't melt the lid and fall into the tank.

The new lights would be going over a 20g (UK) tank, also need them for my 40g but those can wait for the moment , hood issue isn't a problem since I don't have one, lol. Once the lighting is sorted out then I'll be making a hood for the tank, so it can hold all the tubes and I don't have to worry about heat problems (can always add some fans to a DIY hood easily enough )

 

[alanchown]

I've not had any myself but I know T5's get very hot and this can melt the plastic fitting the tube goes in on some systems. And as you say there is the cost thing. How big is the tank in gallons?

Sam

I must say may 39w, 34inch T5 tubes seem relatively cool-certainly you can touch them with no problems.

ALan

 

[Themuleous]

I've not had any myself but I know T5's get very hot and this can melt the plastic fitting the tube goes in on some systems. And as you say there is the cost thing. How big is the tank in gallons?

Sam

I must say may 39w, 34inch T5 tubes seem relatively cool-certainly you can touch them with no problems.

ALan

Fair enough, as I said Ive not got any, thats just what people in here have told me. What make do you use? if there is one that doesn't get very hot Im sure people would like to know! Would solve a fair few problems I'm sure!

Sam

 

[ksam]

would be interesting to know which brand there's no way you'd touch the compact one, it's hot enough to melt the clips that it came with (think they now come with metal clips because of that).

I'm still not too sure which to go for, there isn't too much difference with the price so it's purely down to which is best for the plants

 

[alanchown]

I've not had any myself but I know T5's get very hot and this can melt the plastic fitting the tube goes in on some systems. And as you say there is the cost thing. How big is the tank in gallons?

Sam

I must say may 39w, 34inch T5 tubes seem relatively cool-certainly you can touch them with no problems.

ALan

Fair enough, as I said Ive not got any, thats just what people in here have told me. What make do you use? if there is one that doesn't get very hot Im sure people would like to know! Would solve a fair few problems I'm sure!

Sam

Arcadia T5 Plant Pro-got them from Aquatics Online.

Alan

 

[Themuleous]

Arcadia T5 Plant Pro-got them from Aquatics Online.

Alan

Is that the over tank Luminairy or 'standard' T5 tubes? Is that the tubes or the starter unit?

I dont think there is to much difference in the light quality for T8 vs T5 as you can get one specifically for plants in both sizes. Think most people get T5's as they are small so the can get more light under the hood.

Hopefully someone with a bit more 'hands on' experience can help you out, but if it were me, I'd get T8's, dont ask me why I just would, guess the thought of so much heat doesn't really appeal to me.

Just thinking out loud, I think T5 bulbs last longer than T8's so any difference in starter price will probably even out over the course of a few years, just a thought.

Any help?

Sam

 

[alanchown]

Arcadia T5 Plant Pro-got them from Aquatics Online.

Alan

Is that the over tank Luminairy or 'standard' T5 tubes? Is that the tubes or the starter unit?

I dont think there is to much difference in the light quality for T8 vs T5 as you can get one specifically for plants in both sizes. Think most people get T5's as they are small so the can get more light under the hood.

Hopefully someone with a bit more 'hands on' experience can help you out, but if it were me, I'd get T8's, dont ask me why I just would, guess the thought of so much heat doesn't really appeal to me.

Just thinking out loud, I think T5 bulbs last longer than T8's so any difference in starter price will probably even out over the course of a few years, just a thought.

Any help?

Sam

Standard T5 tubes-no idea how warm the starter is-it's screwed tp the back of the cabinet.

Alan

 

[oldwhitewood]

With T5 tubes it's weird. The power compact ones, effectively two smaller lenght tubes in one run incredibly hot and actually melt plastic if they come in contact with it. I dont know if you followed the saga a while back regarding the interpet T5 light units but it made interesting reading.

I use normal T5s in an arcadia overtank luminare and experience no problems with heat at all.

 

[Themuleous]

I use normal T5s in an arcadia overtank luminare and experience no problems with heat at all.

Aren't these even more expensive than 'normal' T5s? Just wondering

S

 

[mantis147]

I use a twin t5 power compact 55watt unit that i fitted into a juwel rekord 96 and ive had no problems! yes they get hot but nothing has melted & they have been running 5-6 months now.