fluros > T5s or T8s

[lmsmith]

What's the difference between T5s/T8s and fluros? Is the just the ballast and bulb, or is the whole thing different? I want to move from fluros to T8s but don't want to spend all the money on the new fittings, can I just buy bulbs and ballasts and go for it?

 

[boz151]

T5, T8 and T12 bulbs all require different endcaps as they are different diameter bulbs. Most aquarium bulbs are T5 or T12, I don't believe T8 is a common size for the aquarium trade.

 

[jubjub]

T8 is more common for freshwater tanks i believe...i have a T8 on my roomates tank right now actually, was really hard to find a bulb for sw for that lol... but yeah i think alot of it depends on size of bulb....t5's are significantly smaller then my T12VHO's

 

[mustang51js]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14874754#post14874754 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by boz151
T5, T8 and T12 bulbs all require different endcaps as they are different diameter bulbs. Most aquarium bulbs are T5 or T12, I don't believe T8 is a common size for the aquarium trade.

t5s are the only ones that are different end sizes, a t8 will fit into the socket of a t12. The differnce between them is the size of the bulb diameter.T5s are the skinniest and t12 are the largest, some universal ballasts will run t8s and t12s but you should just get t8 ballasts and bulbs if you want. If you have the extra money i would go with the t5s. You can get t8 bulbs from dr.foster and smith. They are also selling t5 fixtures at home depot and stores like that but they are not the t5ho so i wouldnt go with that. Hope this helps a little

 

[mustang51js]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3812

 

[mustang51js]

btw what size tank do you have and what do you plan on keeping

 

[lmsmith]

Oh I see, so the T_ refers to the size of the tube? I thought there was something special about them. In that case, I just need the appropiate marine tube to go in my light, after I find out what size it is?

I was originally planning an FOWLR tank for my 2 puffers, but I've fallen in love with some zoanthids and soft corals, so I think I'll give them a go and hope the puffers don't eat them. Obviously, I've got a lot of research to do about whether or not I'll have enough lighting to the corals that I want, but having the right lights is a good start.

I'll have either 4 or 5 bulbs on a 160L tank, with a 100L sump.

How do I tell the difference between T5 and T8 bulbs? Also, what coloured bulb combinations should I get?

 

[mustang51js]

t5 bulbs are about as thick as your finger and the pins are about 1/2 inch apart and t8s are about as thick as a quarter if you look at it from the side and the pins are about 1/2 inch apart,the same as a t12. So the lower the number the skinnier the bulb.As far as the color talk to grimreefer in the lighting section of rc, most people will tell you to get the t5s because they will work better for future changes but if your on a budget then t8s are better than t12s

 

[lmsmith]

OK, so looking at mine, they must be T8s.

Is there an easy way of determining how much light I need? I read somewhere 1Watt per litre?

 

[mustang51js]

i would go into the lighting forum and ask that, some people in there will be able to help you with that more than me

 

[mustang51js]

also it should say by one of the ends of the bulbs what size it is,like f32t8, 32 is the watts and t8 is the size

 

[mustang51js]

im sorry i didnt realize i was in lighting forum allready.lol

 

[lmsmith]

that's all cool. Thanks heaps for your help so far, it's a huge relief realising that I can save myself $500NZD on lights, and spend the money on bulbs.