T6's V T8's

[Squid]

I have a Realux Daylight T6 in place of my original Juwel 15watt 18" T8. I can't say it as particularly 'brighter' than an 18" Interpet Daylight Plus T8 that I also tried, but I did get an algae sppike from the T6 that was only cured by dropping the lighting period from 10hrs to 7.5hrs. Plants are certainly doing well and both the Interpet T8 and Realux T6 are much much better than the Juwel tube supplied with the tank: they are brighter to the eye in this respect.

goodo.. good to find someone who has tried it..

Also.. lets be honest, any tubes that replace the standard juwel ones are a plus!!! Dimmer than Jade Goody

Squid

 

[Underwurlde]

God that pint has done me in.

NEVER AGAIN.

Well worth a read everyone:
http/woo.gotdns.com/Aquarium/Lighting.htm

Andy

PS When I say 'never again' what I really mean is.....

 

[SuperColey1]

Same Make and brand of bulb, but the thinner the bulb the more light that can be reflected and not hit the bulb on the way back therefore if you have a T5 bulb, when it reflects from your reflector, less of the light will be blocked by the bulb on its return from the reflector whereas if you have a T10, then a lot of light will be blocked on its return. Makes sense to me, but can't vouch for the reliability of the info as I am not a scientist.

This is very true and does make a difference.

I don't think you can say wether a 30W T5 is better than a 30W T8, I'd suggest if they were the same model and make then yes the T5 should be better, but if you were rating an Interpet T8 Daylight against a Hagen Sunglo T5. Who knows which would win.

Exactly, who knows. Would love to see some proper tests done on comparing T5's, T8's, etc

James

Can't help you on T5 v T8, but these links give an idea of the difference between certain types, as they are comparing T8 v T10 v T12 v compact v incandescent v blah blah

http/users.frii.com/gbooth/AquaticConcep...FM_Lighting.htm

http/www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/2637/spectra.html

Not exactly what we're after on this subject, but does give a good insight into what we're all talking about.
Shows how much research i've been doing lately. lol too much time on my hands this week.

This lot should keep you techys busy for 10 mins reading. Is all useful info for me at the mo, as I'm fighting a Jeckyll Hyde in myself of : Play Safe 2WPG....No get the 4.2WPG......no play safe......no go for overkill. You'll have to see which of my personalities win this one. If its the one I think. People will be waiting either for me to fail miserably or to see if it actually can be done.

 

[SuperColey1]

Oh and here's where I found cheap tubes for all sorts of sizes (including twin compacts, which is my area of interest during this research period. lol)

http/www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/acatalog/Fish.html

 

[Dave Spencer]

Oh and here's where I found cheap tubes for all sorts of sizes (including twin compacts, which is my area of interest during this research period. lol)

http/www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk/acatalog/Fish.html

Nice one Mr SuperColey1! That has gone straight in to my favourites list.

 

[SuperColey1]

Couldn't believe how cheap the Interpet T5 compact 55W tubes were on here. I was pricing up a TriPlus55w and a daylight plus 55W with a twin starter for compact T5. Found the bulbs here and was like WOW (delivery is £4.95) found the starter for £38.99 on AquaEssentials, so £60 for 110W (a second hand one sold for £62+7.5 delivery on ebay with marine bulbs 2 days ago) BARGAIN