Light sizes

[GlennLikesFish]

Ok, this may be a silly question, but do the sizes on fluorescent lighting tubes relate to the actual size of the tube or the size of the tank they are meant for? I am soon to be getting a new 48" long tank, so would a 48" tube fit alright or would i need a 36" tube?

Thanks, Glenn

 

[Adrinal]

Length is in inches width is in T-12 T-8 T-5 (most common sizes I know of).

Not sure what the number actual means but smaller is smaller.

I got 3 T-5 bulbs shipped to me in a 1.25 inch PVC tube... they are skinny!!!

 

[Adrinal]

You need a 48" housing for your bulbs first,,, then you get the bulbs.
http/reefgeek.com/products/categories/li...ing/104203.html

 

[Great Lakes]

Adrinal gave you a good source. Reefgeek is very reputeable. And good money spent on lighting is never a waste

However, if you are poor, the best entry level lighting for a 48" tank is a shoplight.

Buy one that has the larger rounded side style reflectors, a couple of plant and aquariem bulbs, a can of spray paint to match your decor....voila! Instant light fixture.

Under 20 bucks.

GL

 

[Adrinal]

Oh ya, thanks for the save GL.

I just wanted to point out the site there. Reef Geek has nice explanations for bulbs and fixtures and stuff.
It is geered for the higher end stuff (though they have the best price on most of their items and Awsome service if you do go with it).

ESP if you are doing FW and trying to save some money visit the competitor to Home Depot (they are usually more expensive than other HW stores) in your area.
Or even hit HD if you need to. Just remember to be sure what you get is water proof, or you are using glass covers. (even those fancy lights are not water proofed and you need to spend extra to get an acrylic cover if you are using an open top).
Asuming your housing for the bulb has a reflector, and all else being equal the thinner the bulb the more light (because light is reflected around it). T-5 bulbs are new on the market. The claim is that they hold their spectrum longer (1.5 -2 years vs 7-12 months for other bulbs). For reef tanks they are nice because you can fit so many of them on one tank.

another option would be 2 of these:

Stinky Linky

and perhaps one long NO FL bulb of a funky color.

 

[EddieW]

T numbers are the diameter in eigths of an inch:

T12 = 12/8 inch = 1 1/2 inch = 3.81cm (normal domestic fluorescent)

T8 = 8/8 inch = 1 inch = 2.54cm (normal aquarium fluorescent)

T5 = 5/8 inch = 1.59cm (new-ish smaller & brighter fluorescent)

HTH, Eddie