Does one need a HO fixture to use HO tubes?

[rsanz]

I just bought a Coralife Aqualight T5 fixture and was thinking of buying some Hagen Glo tubes...but then I figured you might need a special fixture to use these bulbs. Is this true? Would I be able to use HO tubes with this fixture?

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...5/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight30

And while we're on the subject of lighting, do Colormax Full Spectrum bulbs (came with the unit) give light that is useful for plant growth, or should I replace that bulb asap?

Thanks!

 

[gmh]

You can only use normal output T5s in that fixture. I grew plants with the provided 6700k and colormax bulbs but I noticed some improvement after switching out the colormax for 10000K bulbs.

 

[jmhart]

I've been using the colormax-6700k PC bulb for about a week now. As far as intensity of the light, I do not think it is very beneficial for plant growth. However, in combination with another 10,000k PC bulb, the plants are growing very nice and I like the color.

Not sure if they make it, but see if GE makes a 9325K T5. You'll like it.

 

[rsanz]

You can only use normal output T5s in that fixture. I grew plants with the provided 6700k and colormax bulbs but I noticed some improvement after switching out the colormax for 10000K bulbs.

So you noticed improvement when you left the 6700K bulb in and changed out the Colormax Full Spectrum light (the pink one) with a 10,000K bulb?

Just looking to clarify your post.

Thanks!

 

[gmh]

Yes that is correct but I should clarify even more: I have two fixtures, a total of four bulbs. I currently run two 10000K, one 6700K and one colormax bulb. The plants seem grow a bit better that the original setup of two 6700k and two colormax.
By the way I do not know the K rating or spectral signature of the colormax bulb. Would like to find out if anyone knows.

 

[rsanz]

I see, thanks for clarifying! So you would recommend the 6700K + a 10000K as opposed to two 6700Ks? I like the color of the 6700Ks from a display standpoint, but I really just want what will help the plants grow best at this point.

What size tank do you have? I'm running this fixture on a 20g long. Do you think that's a decent setup to grow plants? My plant growth had been leaving something to be desired, so I upgraded to this fixture from my default 20w T8 tube fixture.

I was hoping that this bump in wattage would help my plants grow better and healthier...

 

[gmh]

I have my two sets of lights over a 40 gallon tank. 2.1 watts per gallon. So you have I think 1.8 watts per gallon over yours. But it is a shallow tank so probably not much difference.
I really don't know if a combo of 10000K and 6700K would be better than two 6700K bulbs. I like the look of the higher K and I like to mix up the types of bulbs a bit in hopes of providing a broader spectrum of lighting.

 

[rsanz]

I see, I see.

Have you found these T5 bulbs to be common in most fish shops, or do you order them online? I ask because after shipping this bulb will run me almost $20.

 

[zzyzx85]

Well, I'll let you know how a ColorMax + 10000K combo will work as soon as I get my bulbs and let it shine for a few weeks or so.

I haven't been able to find Coralife T5 bulbs in stores so I had to order mine online after they burnt out. Try Petstore.com or eBay stores. I ordered mine from Petstore.com as it was the better deal than Bigalsonline.com, but they were a little slow to ship out.

 

[Riiz]

I've been using the colormax-6700k PC bulb for about a week now. As far as intensity of the light, I do not think it is very beneficial for plant growth. However, in combination with another 10,000k PC bulb, the plants are growing very nice and I like the color.

Not sure if they make it, but see if GE makes a 9325K T5. You'll like it.

I dont think they make a T5 bulb, only see their 9325k bulbs in PC and T8.