About the time I think I have this figured out, I realize I don't.
I have a 37gal that I would like to keep more plants. Right now I have the ridiculously low 20w fluorescent standard strip light. I've narrowed my choices down to the Hagen Glo T5HO 2x39w or a 96w compact fluorescent (AH supply retro fit or Coralife). At one point I think I read that the T5 puts out more lumens than the CF. If true, does this mean that the watt difference can be ignored? I am also curious what other differences there might be, other than the obvious price difference. My lfs has said that bulb changes are about the same, tho I've read conflicting opinions on the web. Also, in another post in the marine forum, someone posted that CF are bent T5's. In which case, is there even a comparison?
oy, this doesn't seem like it should be this confusing, it's just light for heavens sake!
I have a 37gal that I would like to keep more plants. Right now I have the ridiculously low 20w fluorescent standard strip light. I've narrowed my choices down to the Hagen Glo T5HO 2x39w or a 96w compact fluorescent (AH supply retro fit or Coralife). At one point I think I read that the T5 puts out more lumens than the CF. If true, does this mean that the watt difference can be ignored? I am also curious what other differences there might be, other than the obvious price difference. My lfs has said that bulb changes are about the same, tho I've read conflicting opinions on the web. Also, in another post in the marine forum, someone posted that CF are bent T5's. In which case, is there even a comparison?
oy, this doesn't seem like it should be this confusing, it's just light for heavens sake!
