What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

[edmlfc]

I just ordered a new light fixture from petsmart. I ordered it because of cost and disconts I received. I plan to put this on a 90 gallon tank 24" deep with plants and no CO2. I don't have any fancy plants, mostly Java Fern, Crypts & Swords. This is what I ordered:
Triple Tube Fluorescent Light Strips  48"
High-performance strip lights include three fluorescent T-8 tubes and a polished aluminum reflector. It dosen't give me any information about the bulbs. I guess I'll find out when it gets here.

Btw: I will also be using an all glass canopy to go between the lights and the water.

My question is what is the difference between t-5 & t-8? Is there a difference? I know I should have asked before I ordered it but I ordered it anyway.  :)

[Mzungu]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

Diameter is really the only significant difference. T8s will be thicker than T5s. T8s amd T12s are what you usually find in fluorescent strip lights.

T5s are thinner. T5-HOs, however, are more intense. They have more output than normal T5s. Similar to VHO fluorescents.  :)

[edmlfc]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

So as far as the lights being good enough for low light plants,  am I good?  

[eklikewhoa]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

T5's would have been much better since the depth of the tank will kill off a lot of light.

T5's being thinner will have less restrike from the reflector so more light will get into the tank.

[JGUERRA]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

Yea i think u should be fine.. if they are low light  plants it should work  :)

[edmlfc]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

Thanks everyone. I'm pretty sure they are all low light plants. Right now I have just a single light on them and it's not very bright. They were doing good in my other tanks with no special lighting. I was hoping with three bulbs they would do better.  The light I ordered had good reviews for a planted tank. Keeping my fingers crossed.  

[Mzungu]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

I think you should be fine. Is this the fixture?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+9869&pcatid=9869

That's 96W, if I read it right. With the plants you've got currently, you're good. The swords may not grow incredibly fast, but they should live.  

[edmlfc]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

Yeap that's the one!

[Zulaab]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

If you got T-8's when you get them home and if they dont work well for you go get some Hagen Flora-glo lights.. these will help with the flora growing in your tank.

[wesleydnunder]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

48" t-8 lamps are 32 watts per lamp, so mzungu got the total 96w correct. They don't specify the color of the lamps so you may wind up with an output spectrum other than optimum for plant growth. Not sure what color temp the flora-glo is, but I've had my best results with 6700K.

Mark

[edmlfc]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

Thanks Mark,
They should be here sometime this week, then I will know excatly what I have.

[Mzungu]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

I think the Drs. Foster & Smith website says it has GE 9325k bulbs. If it does, here's a link that shows the spectral power distribution, if you're curious. It's towards the bottom of the article.  

http://www.aquatic-eden.com/2007/12/understanding-full-spectrum-aquarium.html

[wesleydnunder]

Re: What's the difference with T-5 & T-8 lights.

I think the Drs. Foster & Smith website says it has GE 9325k bulbs. If it does, here's a link that shows the spectral power distribution, if you're curious. It's towards the bottom of the article.  

http://www.aquatic-eden.com/2007/12/...-aquarium.html

Missed that part of the article. I've never tried 9325K lamps for plants so I have no idea how effective they are. Most of the reading I've done on the subject along with my experience with planted tanks suggests 5500K to 8000K work best for live plants, with 6700K being optimum.

Mark