t5...

[WillsNano63]

Hi all,
Recently I visited a floral outlet greenhouse looking for a way to enhance my kitchen flowers. While doing so, I noticed that they had a hydroponic section.
They carried thousands of different lighting options - every thing from MH to T5's and even cooling fans and.... well, you get the idea!
One of their selections of lighting fixtures is a 4 bulb T5 bulbs x 2 ft long.
If memory serves me correctly, I believe the bulbs (T-5's) where "sunlight" rated.
Because these bulbs and fixtures are suited for "dry" floral applications, I was wondering if they would also be suitable for a freshwater, live plant 55 gallon aquarium? The only downfall these light fixures have the capability of being suitable for aquarium use?
Thanks to all who reply!

 

[jda]

There is humidity in all greenhouses. They can withstand some of it. A thin sheet of acrylic can do a lot of good with moisture and not impede the light that much.

I have used Hydroponics T5 fixtures over a reef. The bulbs were too yellow, but they were probably made to grow orchids or weed. I put some reef bulbs in them and they were fine. I just make sure that they have good, individual reflectors.

FWIW - I always like 10K tubes over my FW planted tanks. I like the whiter look.

 

[WillsNano63]

awesome!! I appreciate your feedback and because the fixtures don't come with the bulbs, I will be looking for the aquarium line of bulbs... 10k tubes... What make and do you use actinics 50/50?
thanks!

 

[Fredfish]

They will work just fine even without an acrylic protective sheet.

T8 shop lights were commonly used for fresh water and planted tanks for a long time before all these fancy aquarium specific lighting options came out. I kept open top planted tanks under them for years without issues.

 

[jda]

When I did my last planted tank, I used UVL/URI T5 bulbs. Actinic White and AquaSun in retro with Phillips ballasts. You can run these VHO with IceCap ballasts and use fewer bulbs, but I did not.

 

[jayball]

Totally works but keep in mind that even 2 54 w t-5 bulbs in a planted 55 gallon will risk algae problems without co2 injection. My preference for bulb selection is one 10k and one rosette.

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