View Full Version : T5 or CFL
cap1384
10-16-2008, 1:23 AM
which would be better for a planted tank?
Bam .. answered.. now go get that catalina fixture
Mgamer20o0
10-16-2008, 1:33 AM
t5...... something like the tek ones where each bulb has its own reflector.
cap1384
10-16-2008, 1:35 AM
yes
what mg is trying to say is .. go for catalina if you dont have the $$ for Tek
cap1384
10-16-2008, 1:49 AM
what mg is trying to say is .. go for catalina if you dont have the $$ for Tek
48" Solar T5 Hood. Comes with four 54 watt bulbs, two 10000K and two Blue Actinic. Has two independent light switches. Fans can be ordered extra. Comes with individual German mirror polished aluminum reflectors.
Mgamer20o0
10-16-2008, 1:53 AM
there is a bunch of different ones bk lol i wouldnt get that one since you would have to replace the actinic bulbs.
jmhart
10-16-2008, 2:07 AM
The standard convention is PC---power compact, not CFL--refers to the twisty bulb.
Anyway, T5 all the way. Tek first, Catalina second.
48" Solar T5 Hood. Comes with four 54 watt bulbs, two 10000K and two Blue Actinic. Has two independent light switches. Fans can be ordered extra. Comes with individual German mirror polished aluminum reflectors.
Call them up when ordering and they'll replace the actinic with whatever you want.
^^ werd
And can rewire the switches to how ever you want..
So chris think about it.. either you go with the canopy you have and add 4x55 ahsupply or save a few bucks + not use the canopy and get the t-5
oblongshrimp
10-16-2008, 3:30 PM
I have used the tek light and they are amazing. No fans so they are silent and you get a ton of light using them. I would highly recommend spending the extra money to get one and do it right the first time.
nickel652
10-16-2008, 5:02 PM
^^ werd
And can rewire the switches to how ever you want..
So chris think about it.. either you go with the canopy you have and add 4x55 ahsupply or save a few bucks + not use the canopy and get the t-5
maybe his wife doesnt want him to get rid of the canopy....no jk i think he should get the t5 too...less $
maybe his wife doesnt want him to get rid of the canopy....no jk i think he should get the t5 too...less $
well then he would have to get rid of the wife and problem solved :evil_lol:
lol Pen is on top of everything
nickel652
10-16-2008, 5:18 PM
well then he would have to get rid of the wife and problem solved :evil_lol:
lol Pen is on top of everything
#1 tank
#2 wife hahaha jk
cap1384
10-16-2008, 8:04 PM
what is the difference in tek and the catalina t5 individual reflectors or what?
the catalina ones have individual reflectors..
prolude006
10-16-2008, 8:37 PM
I prefer power compact fluorescent over t5 ho!
That is for planted tanks of course. I have much better growth with my plants.
My electric bill is lower too!!
IMOA
what is the difference in tek and the catalina t5 individual reflectors or what?
the catalina ones have individual reflectors..
Individual reflectors allow each bulb to deliver its maximum potential, the cheaper fixtures have one large flat reflector to save money and at the same time they waste some of the lamps' output too.
jmhart
10-16-2008, 9:11 PM
I prefer power compact fluorescent over t5 ho!
That is for planted tanks of course. I have much better growth with my plants.
My electric bill is lower too!!
IMOA
Electric bill will be the same...watts are watts. Power Compacts are actually less efficient(more restrike) that t5 with individual reflectors, so technically, for the same amount of usable light, t5 is cheaper.
Bk828
10-16-2008, 10:07 PM
what is the difference in tek and the catalina t5 individual reflectors or what?
the catalina ones have individual reflectors..
# of bends in each reflector is the big difference..
cap1384
10-16-2008, 11:05 PM
i still don't get it
Bk828
10-16-2008, 11:37 PM
i still don't get it
okay reflectors can be flat like in a shop light \_________/, or they can be individual for each bulb. \_/\_/\_/\_/ Basically its one big sheet of metal molded so that each bulb does not share the reflector and in the end theres more light going to the tank..
Another thing to think about is # of bends. As you know AHsupply has great lights due to one reason.. their reflectors and the angle/# of bends.
cap1384
10-17-2008, 12:01 AM
okay reflectors can be flat like in a shop light \_________/, or they can be individual for each bulb. \_/\_/\_/\_/ Basically its one big sheet of metal molded so that each bulb does not share the reflector and in the end theres more light going to the tank..
Another thing to think about is # of bends. As you know AHsupply has great lights due to one reason.. their reflectors and the angle/# of bends.
Lol angle makes more sence than number thanks
Bk828
10-17-2008, 12:16 AM
Lol angle makes more sence than number thanks
well its a combination of both
Also on Catalina t-5 the space within each reflector is a bit less than tek..
look at Tek as the ahsupply of the t-5 world :P (but they sell retrofits and complete kits)