help. need to know differences between HO T5 and HO T6.

[aquaboy620]

can anybody tell me what the differences between T5's and T6's(both HO) besides size in diameter? which is better? and if you have a T6 fixture can you use a T5 bulb instead of a T6 bulb in it?and can 4 x 24 watt T6's replace 2 x 96 watt PC's and be sufficient light to grow red gracileria over a sump with a 2 foot built in refugium?

Thanks for the help,
Jaime

[pjf]

The T6HO bulbs available from http://www.naturallighting.com/web/shop.php?crn=704 are interchangeable with T8, T10 and T12 bulbs.

T5HO bulbs are about 2� shorter than the equivalent T6HO bulb and T5 pins will not fit into fixtures designed for T6, T8, T10 & T12 bulbs. A comparison of T5 & T8/T12 lengths are here: http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpi...s/lat5/pc1.asp.

I cannot find the specifications for the “T6HO� bulbs from www.aquatraders.com. The fixture lengths appear to be similar to those of T5HO fixtures. I suspect that these are T6 bulbs that are manufactured shorter than standard to fit inside fixtures made for T5 bulb lengths.

When I replaced my T12 bulbs with T6HO bulbs, I did not upgrade my ballast. So the T6HO did not produce more light. However, the thinner T6HO bulbs absorbed less light bouncing off the reflectors so more light reached the aquarium.

Since there is more of an aquarium market for T5HO than T6HO, I would go with T5.

[aquaboy620]

thanks pjf i really appreciate the reply. unfortanely i already purchased a 24 inch fixture of t6's and it looks o.k. but i really wanted a t5 fixture to grow some gracileria in my sump. the t5's are a lot more money, but one thing the trade has taught me is to buy the good high quality stuff which is more expensive. rather than buy cheap stuff and not be satisfied and end up replacing it anyway for the good stuff and spending double what u really wanted to spend. i was just being dumb and thought i was getting a good deal. but thanks again for the reply. maybe someone on the site will have a 24 inch t5 fixture old or new for a good price . i'm looking for one with 4 x 24 watt bulbs in a complete system with moon lights. so if anyone reads this and wants to sell their t5's we can talk and make a deal.

[pjf]

There is very little difference between a T5 and a T6 bulb. The more expensive fixtures may look prettier or have more control features, such as timers and dimmers, but the bulbs themselves are all very similar. For your sump, I would stick with what you’ve got and be totally satisfied.

I’ve ordered gracilaria twice and both times, the algae died. Where do you order your gracilaria from and how do you keep it alive?

[ccorpse27]

Originally posted by pjf
There is very little difference between a T5 and a T6 bulb. The more expensive fixtures may look prettier or have more control features, such as timers and dimmers, but the bulbs themselves are all very similar. For your sump, I would stick with what you’ve got and be totally satisfied.

I’ve ordered gracilaria twice and both times, the algae died. Where do you order your gracilaria from and how do you keep it alive?

Reflectors are the main/huge difference. Also, T5 comes in way more color/temp choices. Go T5, forget T6.

[aquaboy620]

i just got some and took out all of my fern caluerpa and put in the main tank so the tangs can have at it. i bought 3 lbs from a guy selling it on ebay. he live in san jose ca. and he keeps it under a MH pendant over a seperate tank. mine seems to be dying off too, but not sure yet its only been about a week. i'll keep u posted. he sells it for like 18 dollars for a pound. go to ebay and type in gracilaria and he autions it off but if u email him he always responds within a day. the sellers name is anquoc. he grows it like crazy so email him and he can tell u how he grows it so fast. hope this helps

[pjf]

I can't find a T5 or T6 for my 5"x12" refugium so I'm managing with a 18-watt PC lamp:

Since you have a 24" refugium, your options do include a 24" T5HO fixture with individual parabolic reflectors for each tube (Tek-Light). If you are successful with gracilaria, let me know what kind of lighting you decided to use!

[aquaboy620]

well like i said before i bought and odyssea 24 inch fixture with 4 x 24 watt t6's and so far the gracilaria looks ok. so i'll let u know in about a month or so if its still alive.