How Long Should Lights Be On?

[Crossfire]

Just got new T5 fixture, a SolarMax HE single tube with reflectors, and I was wondering how long I should keep them on? I used to have 12 hours for my T8s, is 10 hours okay?

 

[Man of fish]

Lucky!!!!!! Maybe try 9?

 

[Gilli]

8-10 hours a days is fine

 

[Crossfire]

I think 10 is fine, But i'm so excited! Its so bright, I can see almost everything, loaches are coming out (surprise?) and I can tell the plants are going to love it!

Best part? My LFS near me had T5s ranging from +$200 to $480....we went to a new fish store in Alexandria, VA because it had good reviews from a friend, and they had this baby for the whopping price of....
$32

I might've well stolen it right out of the shop!

 

[Man of fish]

What type is it? Brand I mean? May be able to get a 30" version for cheap online or you could get ms one

 

[Crossfire]

What type is it? Brand I mean? May be able to get a 30" version for cheap online or you could get ms one

SolarMax HE single tube

 

[Man of fish]

I found yours on amazon.com for $20 and a 30" one for $25 :win: :trophy: I might order it! My tanks been s little bare. With T5 though you don't NEED co2 right? It's just good?

 

[Crossfire]

I found yours on amazon.com for $20 and a 30" one for $25 :win: :trophy: I might order it! My tanks been s little bare. With T5 though you don't NEED co2 right? It's just good?

The plants I currently have don't need CO2 persay, but I still supplement with liquid CO2 (Flourish Excel)
Good luck

 

[Man of fish]

Well what's the real deal with T5s? The wattage on this one is 14 watts vs my T8s 17, but how many T8 watts does the 14 of the T5 really equate to? I'm using dry ferts, but not ready for co2

 

[Man of fish]

If I get this for my tank off amazon it will be a whopping:




$32.05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(shipping included)

 

[Crossfire]

If I get this for my tank off amazon it will be a whopping:




$32.05!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(shipping included)

Hey! That's how much mine was!

Well what's the real deal with T5s? The wattage on this one is 14 watts vs my T8s 17, but how many T8 watts does the 14 of the T5 really equate to? I'm using dry ferts, but not ready for co2

They have a higher wattage output and different color temperatures, and are more powerful and intense and more space efficent. You should try liquid CO2, it helps a lot.

 

[Man of fish]

It's just liquid fertilizer..... Dry ferts are much cheaper.

How much light in a T8 would a 14 watt T5 be like?

 

[KISSfn]

Congrats! Great price too! I can only run my main lights for 8 hours or algae ruins my day.