Growout Tank Lighting T5 or T8 or Other

fazgood · 03/27/2008, 09:36 PM

I am trying to justify the price of T5 HO lighting over T8, T12 or other light sources. I am planning to use 6500K or 10,000K lamps in the tank but I can't find objective information that would help me decide. I know the T5 has a longer life, lower heat and power and higher output but the cost is also much higher. I was planning to use four or six 54W T-5s over the 24 inch wide tank but the fixture cost is $400+ alone. I plan to keep this around as my kids have some science project ideas so I want to figure on keeping this running for several years. Has anyone done a study or have non-sales based data on this?

Thanks

Faz

The0wn4g3 · 03/27/2008, 09:49 PM

I'm not an expert by any means in T5, T8 or T12, but what I can say is this: Since you are planning to keep the fixture in the long run, use RC's electricity cost calculator to find out the monthly costs to run each of the different fixtures. Then, add in the cost of the replacement bulbs you would need to buy in the time span you plan to keep the fixture.
See which one comes out less, because it sounds like cost is the priority in this situation.
I personally would recommend T5's because of the many different types, cheap bulbs, lowered heat output, and long bulb life. Also, they are "the new thing" so you know they won't be hard to find replacement parts, etc. in a few years.

Good luck with your decision!

fazgood · 03/28/2008, 09:55 AM

I agree with your thinking but I would like to find a chart that compares them for power consumption, maintenance and lighting output. I have searched but can't find anything like it. I would think that if they were truely better that some marketing person would be using that info to sell them.

Thanks

Faz

03/27/2008, 09:36 PM	#1
fazgood Not Quite Right Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ballwin MO Posts: 1,093	Growout Tank Lighting T5 or T8 or Other I am trying to justify the price of T5 HO lighting over T8, T12 or other light sources. I am planning to use 6500K or 10,000K lamps in the tank but I can't find objective information that would help me decide. I know the T5 has a longer life, lower heat and power and higher output but the cost is also much higher. I was planning to use four or six 54W T-5s over the 24 inch wide tank but the fixture cost is $400+ alone. I plan to keep this around as my kids have some science project ideas so I want to figure on keeping this running for several years. Has anyone done a study or have non-sales based data on this? Thanks Faz

03/27/2008, 09:49 PM	#2
The0wn4g3 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Auburn, AL Posts: 1,124	I'm not an expert by any means in T5, T8 or T12, but what I can say is this: Since you are planning to keep the fixture in the long run, use RC's electricity cost calculator to find out the monthly costs to run each of the different fixtures. Then, add in the cost of the replacement bulbs you would need to buy in the time span you plan to keep the fixture. See which one comes out less, because it sounds like cost is the priority in this situation. I personally would recommend T5's because of the many different types, cheap bulbs, lowered heat output, and long bulb life. Also, they are "the new thing" so you know they won't be hard to find replacement parts, etc. in a few years. Good luck with your decision! __________________ The 0ne. The 0nly. The0wn4g3. Current Tank Info: 40 gallon Rimless- 39Wx4 T5HO on Ice-Cap 660, 29gallon sump, DAS EX-2, Deltec Phosphate Reactor, Koralia 3, 50lbs LR

03/28/2008, 09:55 AM	#3
fazgood Not Quite Right Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Ballwin MO Posts: 1,093	I agree with your thinking but I would like to find a chart that compares them for power consumption, maintenance and lighting output. I have searched but can't find anything like it. I would think that if they were truely better that some marketing person would be using that info to sell them. Thanks Faz