T-5 Vs T-6 Lighting

[tennis4you]

What is the difference between T-5 and T-6 lighting. I am looking to upgrade from what I have and I am seeing some T-6 lighting at about 1/2 the price of T-5. Is T-6 acceptable for fresh water planted tanks?

 

[aaronnorth]

T6 won't be as effective as T5 hence pricing, on a journal, someone has used T4's and they have said they are not as effective so i am guessing this be the same. You will still be able to grow plants though as depends on the amount of light not the effectivness, T5's will be cheaper to run. As long as you have enough light there is no problem. Spectrum should be peaking in green, red/ pink. Kelvin doesn't matter to much but aim for 5500k - 11 000k

 

[RadaR]

T5s are brilliant. Tbh, they can alter the WPG, they are so good (I'm not saying that the WPG rule is really good).
They're high output and great for plants.

 

[aaronnorth]

T5s are brilliant. Tbh, they can alter the WPG, they are so good (I'm not saying that the WPG rule is really good).
They're high output and great for plants.

Not all T5s are HO, you can get standard, Power compact (pc) compact flourescent (CF)

 

[RadaR]

Yes, but significantly, they are more intense. Hence the "high output" i was reffering to.

 

[Behold]

the ballasts are more expensive but you can get 8000K bulbs for about 10 quid a pair for 4 ft ones. just co to a wholesaler not a fish shop.

 

[Themuleous]

T6 has been around for years, and it massively inefficient. You're better off with T8's or T5's.

Sam