T5/t8 Tubes

[flix_cw]

My new (second hand) 15g tank came with a 12" T5 8W tube.

I calculate that at roughly 0.5 WpG, which really isn't very high. I read on this forum recently but just cannot find the thread that with T5's (or T8's) you can bump up the wattage since it 'gives out' more light. I'm not too good with this side of things.

Here's the light anyway, no reflectors.

 

[dayzofspeed]

i was told the opposite on this forum, that adding a higher wattage will make no difference unless you have a higher rated unit to go with it, reflectors may be a good option if you're not wanting to replace the light unit. i just double checked the pic and noticed the underside of the hood is white.... i would assume that may reflect some light for you

 

[flix_cw]

i was told the opposite on this forum, that adding a higher wattage will make no difference unless you have a higher rated unit to go with it, reflectors may be a good option if you're not wanting to replace the light unit. i just double checked the pic and noticed the underside of the hood is white.... i would assume that may reflect some light for you

Thanks, good point about the hood.

I think i know what you mean about the unit rating. Do you know however which unit rating is stronger then, T5 or T8?

I've no idea how old the tube is so don't know how long it'd been running with its previous owner. I was looking at Gro-Lux tubes to help plant growth hopefully, have you or anyone else had experience with these?: http/www.lightbulbs-direct.com/product/2267/gro-lux-8w-t5-12/

 

[ian]

T5 is only the dimension of the bulb, when you see it saying 150% more light, what you are reading is 150% more light for the size of the tube. You are still only running the same wattage as a T8 bulb (if that makes sense?). When we say more light output, we talk about T5HO, which means the bulb is high output. You can't measure the HO in the WPG as there has never been any testing done, in this way.

The only problem i can see with you bulbs is that the footprint is quite small, is the tank 60cm? cos your only getting half the coverage with a bulb that is 12".

 

[flix_cw]

T5 is only the dimension of the bulb, when you see it saying 150% more light, what you are reading is 150% more light for the size of the tube. You are still only running the same wattage as a T8 bulb (if that makes sense?). When we say more light output, we talk about T5HO, which means the bulb is high output. You can't measure the HO in the WPG as there has never been any testing done, in this way.

The only problem i can see with you bulbs is that the footprint is quite small, is the tank 60cm? cos your only getting half the coverage with a bulb that is 12".

Oh i see. Thanks for that.

I totally agree with the tube length though. When i first opened the hood and saw the light i went "Oh." The tank is indeed 61cm, so maybe if i could find a 21" or so tube? Would that be ok for the unit? One thing that confuses me is all these "cool white", "fluorescent white", "daylight" options. Is it a matter of personal preference or are some better for plant growth?

Cheers.

 

[ian]

it's personal preference...with colour, also the wattage needs to be the same for the unit.

have you checked this place out for tubes?

http/www.lampspecs.co.uk/

you could get a selection for the price of 1 tube from an LFS.

 

[rdp50734]

iquatics is very good for light tubes, I always use them. Cheap good quality tubes.

You can use an 18W bulb with a 24W unit but the bulbs will burn out quicker as its running hotter but a 36W bulb on a 24W unit will not light as the ballast acts as a vrake for the power and the bulb will not ignite!

 

[flix_cw]

Ok so the unit says it's for 4/6/8W, T5, 16mm diameter tubes.

Does this mean i could get an 8W 18" T5? Does such a thing exist or does the wattage go up for longer tubes?

 

[rdp50734]

Yes you can fit 4/6/8W Bulbs.

With T5 tubes the wattage is in relation to the tube length. I can only find 12" 8W T5s

What is the make of the unit?

 

[flix_cw]

With T5 tubes the wattage is in relation to the tube length. I can only find 12" 8W T5s

What is the make of the unit?

Ah thought as much So if i wanted a longer tube i'm going to have to upgrade the unit? Sigh...

Unit brand is Arcadia.

 

[rdp50734]

Search for arcadia 18" bulbs and see what you can come up with. If you cant find anything I have a T5 twin tube unit I could sell if your interested. Its brand new in the box with brand new tubes.

Its the unit that comes with the fluval 155 osaka dimensions are 61cm long by about 15cm wide by about 10cm high.takes 2 x 24W 55cm T5s