T5 vs Compact Flourescent

ZeroSystem · 10-22-2009, 02:06 AM

My 75 currently has two 48" T8 flourescent light bulbs and 2 24" compact flourescent light bulbs over it. Equals around a 150 watts approximately, I believe. So far things have been going all right, but I'm basically just growing anubis, java fern and a couple crypts (theres a couple other oddballs in there as well). I was just wondering if switching my lights over to T5's would be better? I was thinking 2 24" dual bulb T5 light fixures. Not sure how many watts per gallon that would equal. Does anyone think this would be a good idea? Or better yet, is there any reason in particular why it would be a bad idea to switch over to T5's? I was thinking of just going for it and seeing how things work out, but I thought I'd ask for your thoughts first.

ZeroSystem · 10-23-2009, 10:02 AM

Yeah, kind of a weird question I guess. I suppose I'll just give it a shot and see what happens!

mark razmandi · 10-25-2009, 07:09 PM

t5 is a more popular option for planted tanks, if you do not plan on adding CO2 then more WPGs would be useless. if you are just growing low-light plants then dont waste your money on t5 lights...unless you plan on dropping some major bucks into pressurized CO2, special substrate, ferts, etc.

ZeroSystem · 10-28-2009, 02:30 AM

Yeah, not really looking into adding CO2 to this tank. I've taken off the other lights I had on and switched 'em out for 2 24" dual bulb t5 light fixures. Not really sure if this is increasing the amount of light my tank receives are reducing it? Looks darker to me, but who knows how the plants are taking to it. I figured I'd just give it a shot. A friend sold me the lights at a cheap price so if it doesn't work out I don't feel too bad about the cost. Besides, could always use 'em for some other tank!