Replacement 48" T5HO lamps..

FreshyFresh

FreshyFresh

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Jan 11, 2013
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Joel
I've been slacking on replacing the lamps on my Odyssea 48" twin-tube T5HO I have over my 55g with plants. I've been running the same Coralife 6500K tubes in there for 1.5-2yrs. For what ever reason, I seemed to get better results with the no-name ~6700K lamps that came with this fixture when I bought it ~3yrs ago, but the tank was setup differently then (closer to a window). Some of the plants have changed too.

Currently I've got an amazon sword, various anubia, java fern and some crypts. All my wisteria and water sprite withered away for reasons unknown.

What brand/spec of 48" T5HO tubes would you recommend for my setup?
 
If you liked the no name ones maybe you would like some "non plant" daylight bulbs too. I like 1000bulbs 48" T5HO. You have to buy them by the case and pay shipping but the price still seems better than others I've seen. I've never used any T5HOs so I can't comment on that but I have used 1000bulbs and the Eiko brand in 55 watt 6500k power compacts and liked them. I does say to call to order the Eiko for some reason but I don't find that a problem personally.
 
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Yeah, I can get a 4-pack of eBay no-names for just over $30 shipped, or I can get some on sale, name brand bulbs from DrsFosterandSmith for just under $30 shipped for a pair of lamps. Just don't know which way to go. I don't care to swap this fixture out for LED at this point.
 
Or you can get a case of 25 for $87 shipped! Making them $3.48 each (including shipping) instead of $7.50 each (yikes!). 25 is a lot of bulbs but you'd be set for years and could change them freely, plus more fixtures take T5HO bulbs now so you could use them in other places as well (particularly after they have been spent for plant use). OR you can sell the extras for $5 and make some of your money back! :)
 
That is intriguing indeed Jen! I hate to spend ~$90, but that's CHEAP for 25 of them!
 
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:cool: I know $90 for light bulbs seems crazy but it's so much cheaper! (Yeah, that made sense!) Are you part of a local club? Maybe you could see if there is any interest there. Or maybe they'd want to do a group buy even. Yes, I have thought about this before. hehe Never bought a T8, T5 or T5HO fixture though so I never got to do this myself. :rolleyes:
 
Ugh.. I'm still on the fence with either re-lamping the T5HO or using that money towards an LED fixture. Too many choices.. not enough $. LOL.
 
Have you had good success with your T5HO? What would be your reason for switching to LED?

I seem to regret NOT going for things more than doing it. Stepping into LED is so...daunting though, even more so then when T5HO became popular. There is no standard of comparison and you have to research everything yourself. I know I was late to the party because of that and now I'm only standing in the doorway (have a LED fixture but still setting up the tank).
 
Reasons for switching? 1) never have to replace tubes. 2) use a fraction of the power of T5HO 3) radiate a lot less heat to the tank.

Does this make LED a "better" plant light for every situation? That's the million dollar question.
 
Just has to be better for YOUR situation. ;) We are looking at your 55g right? According to Hoppy's Chart a 2 bulb odyssea would put you right at the cusp of med/high light. But you have almost entirely low light plants listed. Do you run CO2? Everything run smoothly? Most importantly...Where are the pictures!? lol I looked through your threads and didn't see any picture/journal threads.
 
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