How Big Is The Difference

[ShoC]

Im looking at buying the Arcadia overtank light
but im stuck between buying T5 or T8 how big is the difference,
because the price difference is massive,
I really want 3x lights but the costs is huge,
and of you guys/gals know of a 3x T8 or T5 that wont kill my bank?

I have seen the odyssea lights but apparently they are very unreliable but they are cheap
and cant find any sites that review aquarium lighting.

 

[reggieschuey]

T5 lights save about 30% more energy than T8 lights, they are roughly the same i reccommend sticking with T8 as they are much cheaper and grow plants just as well ! and as HAGEN pointed out fluorescent lose 50% efficiency in 6 months , thus you will definitely need to change regularly and buying T5 ain't cheap.

 

[ShoC]

I heard that T5 have a much longer life!! if its true or not I Don't know,

am I wrong in saying you can get Triplus fluorescent in T8?

 

[SuperColey1]

You can get Triplus in T8.

Whilst T5 are 30% more efficient they also gain better if you are using reflectors as there is less tube blocking the return path of reflected rays.

I think its a case of buy decent lamps and they last a lot longer. Buy cheap and they don't. Buy SunGlo or AquaGlo and they'll be as bright in 2 years as they are new (which is to say NOT VERY BRIGHT. lol)

Andy