T5 Bulbs

[PaulHR]

My new 240 litre tank apparently came with 2 t5 bulbs. I just noticed one bulb is considerably different to the other one. I have one that is rated 39w @ 10000k which I understand is a t5 bulb but the other bulb is a lot less bright and seems to be a bit pink and has aquarium lighting written on it.

Is this pinkish bulb a t5?

If they seem to be t5 bulbs, what are the benefits of each tube?

I have a planted tank and the plants under the pinkish bulb don't seem to be doing so well so wondering if I should replace it?
Maybe with another 10000k bulb.


The pinkish bulb is also rated at 39w.

 

[dannybgoode]

t5 is (I think and am happy to be corrected) the diameter of the tube, certainly something to do with the fitting - nothing to do with the colour.

For example t4 is the standard diameter used in ceiling lights etc.

Cheers

Danny B

 

[BLACK DDOG]

This link my help to solve your problem, not just on fluorescent tubes and lighting but a vast assortment of lamps.

http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tubes/Fluorescent-Tubes

BLACK DDOG

 

[PaulHR]

Thank you gents. The T5 is for 5/8 inch tube and T8 is one inch, I learn something new every day

I'll take a look at that link, thank you.

 

[PaulHR]

This does lead me to another related question. The tubes I have are anublas brand, made in china and I can't find much info on the brand so I'm starting to question their effectiveness.

What is the best or most recommended brand for a freshwater planted aquarium?

 

[Tizer]

i use the tropical tubes from http/www.iquaticsonline.co.uk/

Buy two get one free, which is pretty nice, as i setup 4 tubes on my tank and have 2 spares waiting should one blow well packaged and nice guys too. facebook group very popular.

 

[PaulHR]

Thanks Tizer, I do love a good offer

I've looked at the 39w here http/www.iquaticsonline.co.uk/t5-fluorescents/39w-t5-850mm-34/39w-t5-tropical.html would there more benefit getting the 54w or 80w over the 39s? Would the higher watt tubes be better for the plants in my 240ltr tank?

Oops hang on, higher the wattage = bigger tubes? That's two things I've learned today

 

[PaulHR]

2 tubes and 1 free tube ordered along with much needed reflectors

 

[Tizer]

n1, but on the 240 you probably wont need them (reflectors), 1 watt per gallon should be enough, if you got 78watts with 2 x 39 times its plenty to penetrate to the bottom. If you have higher lighting, you got to get smart with your ferts and CO2, which isnt the easiest of tasks. highly recommend starting out without the reflectors and for about 5 hours a day max, sneeking the hours up to 7 over the course of a few months. any more and your asking for algae