Is T5 Lighting Essential?

[jonnyf84]

Hi all,

I am going to be starting my first aquascape shortly, just a small setup to see how it goes, 30" to 36" i think. I don't know if i should use one of my existing 36" tanks which have standard single tube T8 lighting or go out an buy a T5 luminaire - These are expensive so i'm wondering....Are they really necessary for a heavily planted or will my single T8 tube suffice? (it supplies just under 2WPG)

Many thanks,

Jonny.

 

[aaronnorth]

the type of tube doesnt matter to the plants, as long as you have enough then dont worry,

pro's of T5

more efficient
output more llight per square inch (more powerful)
penetrate deeper into the aquarium so ideal if your tank is high.

 

[jonnyf84]

Thanks Aaron.

Well after that info i'v decided to strip one of my 36" x 18" x 12" tanks. I started looking for T8 luminaires but then i stumbled upon the Hagen 39W GLO T5HO luminaire (single tube), this is dirt cheap compared to the others, is this true T5 lighting and would you recommend this product?

With decorations and plants the volume of my setup will be around 23 UK Gallons so the light output will be just short of 2WPG, will this suffice with plant ferts or will i need CO2 as well? I could go for the double (2 x 39W tubes, just over 3WPG), What do you think?

Many thanks for any opinions.

Jonny

 

[aaronnorth]

Yes it is a great product, i use a 2 x 24w HOT5 version (althouh it did come with the tank lol) and it gives great results.

HOT5 are much more powerful, so you will be over 2wpg anyway, so yes you will need CO2, and pressurized is cnsidered necassary so it doesnt fluctuate, or give low levels which stops algae.

If you go for the higher lighting @ 3wpg, the plants will grow faster (aswell as needing more ferts & CO2) so are you prepared to give time to the higher maintenance?

 

[jonnyf84]

Absolutly, I spend a couple of hours every day on my aquariums so commitment deffinatly isn't a problem, pressurised CO2 will set me back about a hundred squid aye?

 

[aaronnorth]

yes, or you could use a fire extinghuisher which will costs you about £80, with a 2kg FE! see the 2 guides in my sig.

 

[SuperColey1]

I would very much doubt that a single T8 will supply 2WPG. As a measure a 24" T8 supplies 18W, therefore a single tube the width of your tank will be less than 1WPG.

As Aaron says T5 is much better efficiency and distribution wise. T5HO is supposed to be another 10% more efficient than T5.

T8 is not to be laughed at though. It can be used just as well but it will take more tubes, more starters etc.

AC

 

[jonnyf84]

I would very much doubt that a single T8 will supply 2WPG. As a measure a 24" T8 supplies 18W, therefore a single tube the width of your tank will be less than 1WPG.

As Aaron says T5 is much better efficiency and distribution wise. T5HO is supposed to be another 10% more efficient than T5.

T8 is not to be laughed at though. It can be used just as well but it will take more tubes, more starters etc.

AC

thanks ac. Well either way i am going to need a new hood or luminaire, i think the hagen is the best, cost effective option. And maybe i can steal a fire extinguisher from work Just messin'

Thanks for your help guys.