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View Full Version : NO fluorescents or t5's?



TwanDizzle
07-14-2008, 8:09 PM
Hey guys, I have 2 sets of lights, the original fluorescents that came with my 55 gallon, and the Nova Extreme T5's with lunar lights. I don't know which is the better set to use for my freshwater, MAYBE lightly planted in the future... I figure the t5's would be too bright for fake plants and fish like angels, cories, harlequins, and a rafael cat.. either way, i need to replace some parts on both sets of lights. for the t5's, i want to ditch the actinics for some of the freshwater t5's i saw in the drs foster smith catalog... plus, i'll have to scrounge up some new legs, and i think my shield is broken as well... for the NO's, I have to buy a new canopy thing for it... there's the actual light housing, and then the canopy with a flip lid... the reason i want to use the T5's, is because its the easiest way to utilize the lunar lights... if I keep the NO's, i'll have to go buy a set of lunar lights, and find a way to mount them in the light housing without looling like poo..

actually, i just remembered something... if i want to keep the basic light, i'll have to change out the whole thing anyway... its got the rubber covered push button switch on the back of the housing, and its in the way of my emperor 400... just to turn the light on and off, i have to pick it up just to push the button... i know i know, that's what they make timers for, but i haven't found one when i had the money, and i keep forgetting to look at the pet depot

Mgamer20o0
07-14-2008, 8:38 PM
the 5t no point in paying money to set up reg t12 bulbs if you then want to do plants later. keep the actinic lights it will make the fish really stand out. how many watts is the t5 fixture.

Notophthalmus
07-14-2008, 8:58 PM
I agree, the T5's are the way to go. If they're too bright for your taste, take one of the lamps out.

legendaryfrog
07-14-2008, 9:29 PM
Just a thought, but if you're on a tight budget, get over to home depot and check out their collection of t5 bulbs. Theres TONS of 4 foot bulbs and they only cost <3 dollars each.

My personal recommendation is to use 2 bulbs, one a 6500k and the other a 10000k bulb. IMHO, this is the best combo of yellow and blue.

1oooop
07-15-2008, 12:02 AM
you know, I think Imma upgrade my house to T-5:perv: it's not hard, a few crimps and screws here and there and you're done

echoofformless
07-15-2008, 1:33 AM
T5 bulbs are one of my new favorite things.

1oooop
07-15-2008, 3:08 AM
me too : ) my dad actually has some, the Edison company came in and did his shop for free