T5 or Compact Fluorescent

S

stussy28

AC Members
Apr 22, 2008
144
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16
Buffalo NY / State College PA
I have been looking at this site for a long time and they finally got in their 2 bulb t5 fixtures. http://fishneedit.com/index.html. I know people like their AHsupply.com fixtures because of their reflectors. The AHsupply is about $10 more but 7 more watts. Which is better/ which would you prefer? I will be run diy co2 but is it necessary with 48w t5 over 20 gallons if that is the better choice? If it isn't I'm sure I need it with the ahsupply one.

Thank you in advance.
 
T5s put out more lumens per watt than CFLs. They cost more too though to replace the bulbs. You can get 26watt CFLs in the daylight spectrum 6.5k Kelvin for under $3 now at Lowes. (although you're paying more to run them because it uses more electricity to put out the same light).

Be carefull if you add too much light you need to stay on top of CO2 and ferts or you'll be hitching a ride on the long green algae train!
 
T5 will put out more light, and they are cheaper to run.
 
I just switched a 20gal from CFL to T5 and I love the T5 fixture. Runs a tad cooler, bulbs last about the same time, and if you have a common size they can be hecka cheap. Wal-Mart sells 24" and 30" T5 6700k bulbs for 5.99. CFL's in the appriopriate K range can be the same price and are less efficient.
 
If you're in the market to purchase a new PRE-built fixture, T5 is the way to go.

@Everyone, I think the OP meant power compacts not spiral CFLs. PC bulbs are nice too, since they are just u-shaped T5 bulbs btw, but it takes a good reflector to make them shine because of the odd shape, and sadly no one makes a pre-built unit that can compare to AHsupply kits.
 
i am finished with PC fixtures for the most part. In fact I'm in the midst of replacing them all with T5 HO.

This is after seeing the magic of NO T5 ala the Coralife slim fixtures. Half the wattage and puts out almost the same light as PC. I can't wait for my first T5 HO to come in the post this week.

Beyond the reduced expense due to being able to buy bulbs at home stores, you also get to mix and match colors. I'll be running my new fixtures with 4200k, 2x6700k, and 10000k set to simulate sunrise/sunset on the timers. I'm excited.
 
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