T8 And T5 Lighting?

[mike455555]

whats the difference between t8 and t5 lighting? and which one is better for planted tanks?

 

[StandbySetting]

The tube diameter, T5 = 5/8's of an inch, T8 = 8/8's of an inch, T5's are better in terms of efficiency, but your individual circumstances will dictate which you require.

 

[mike455555]

how come t5's are more efficient? iv got 1 t8 bulb in a 3f tank (120L) trying to grow hair grass (its growing but slowly)do you think i should upgrade my lighting and if so what to? its running a 8500k bulb

 

[minnnt]

I have had better results from T8's, but T5's are supposedly better and produce better light.

 

[mike455555]

so do you think i should get another t8 tube or a t5 one if im going to up my lighting?

 

[minnnt]

Upping your lighting will mean you will probably need to start adding ferts as they will be exposed to a much brighter source of light. This will make them grow quicker and will make them need more nutrients.

More light isn't always the best option.

 

[mike455555]

iv got a co2 defuser ( just simple) not yeast but pressured can what other ferts would need to be added ?

 

[minnnt]

Hmmm... maybe you would be better off adding another T8 light then? Unsure mate as i have never ran pressurised carbon dioxide.

An all in fertiliser that included micro and macro nutrients will be needed if adding co2. A good one is TPN+. There are others available though, so have a search.

If you're willing to go to all the trouble of setting up co2 and dosing ferts why are you worried about plant maintenance? The chances are that if you are going to be adding co2 and ferts then plant growth will be vastly increased, water changes will need to be 50% a week and you will need to prune/maintain plants more.

 

[mike455555]

true thanks for the info i want a carpet of hairgrass quite fast once its asstablished it should do fine for awhile and i could slow off on the co2 and ferts?

 

[minnnt]

This may introduce unwanted algae into the tank though with fluctuating nutrient levels?! Finding a happy medium would be a better option imo.

 

[mike455555]

wouldent it just be a 1 off drop? after the grass is growing nicely?

 

[minnnt]

The plants may react to the drop too and slow down or exhibit problems?! TBH mate i haven't got a definate answer as like i say i have never dabbled with pressurised co2.

 

[mike455555]

ohh right thats ok no problem =] i'll play around and see what happens... if all go's wrong its only algae? solved by water changes

 

[minnnt]

Not really solved by water changes. It is solved by creating a stable tank with the correct levels and period of light, nutrient level and co2 level.

 

[mike455555]

yer true but u get that via water changes normaly?