Are T5's better than T8's and if so, Why?

skeeter_ca · 02/23/2011, 01:42 PM

It seems that T5's are the most popular flourescents. Are they that much better than T8's?

skeeter

nanojg · 02/23/2011, 01:48 PM

Yes, the main reason is better reflectors due to the small size of the t5 bulb. Also T5 bulbs have developed more than other flourescnet bulbs in the aquarium industry and there is a much greater selection of quality bulbs.

cody6766 · 02/23/2011, 02:15 PM

I don't think there's anything that makes a T5 better than a T8 as a functional bulb. T5s fit our application better because of the small size (as mentioned above) and how it fits into the reflector. A T8 reflector of the same design would be pretty big. Also, as mentioned above, the manufacturers have spent time developing the 'stuff' inside the bulbs to work how we need it too. I'd assume it would take some R&D if someone put the phosphors into a T8 and ran with it. I don't think it'd be very difficult for a company to do it, but it wouldn't be worth the cost when you have the advantages of the T5.

02/23/2011, 01:42 PM	#1
skeeter_ca Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Yucaipa, CA Posts: 1,007	Are T5's better than T8's and if so, Why? It seems that T5's are the most popular flourescents. Are they that much better than T8's? skeeter __________________ skeeter - It is easier to ask for forgiveness than premission. My motto to my wife. Current Tank Info: 75rr,6"dsb,refugium,auto top-off & semi-auto water changer, OM squirt. 4 MJs 1200, Started on 03/03/06

02/23/2011, 02:15 PM	#3
cody6766 Super Best Friends! Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: OKC, OK Posts: 3,772	I don't think there's anything that makes a T5 better than a T8 as a functional bulb. T5s fit our application better because of the small size (as mentioned above) and how it fits into the reflector. A T8 reflector of the same design would be pretty big. Also, as mentioned above, the manufacturers have spent time developing the 'stuff' inside the bulbs to work how we need it too. I'd assume it would take some R&D if someone put the phosphors into a T8 and ran with it. I don't think it'd be very difficult for a company to do it, but it wouldn't be worth the cost when you have the advantages of the T5. __________________ "The moral is the chosen, not the forced; the understood, not the obeyed. The moral is the rational, and reason accepts no commandments." - John Galt Current Tank Info: Cadlights 60G Arisan II mixed reef with 2x MP40s and 24" ATI

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02/23/2011, 01:48 PM	#2
nanojg Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock, Texas Posts: 2,174	Yes, the main reason is better reflectors due to the small size of the t5 bulb. Also T5 bulbs have developed more than other flourescnet bulbs in the aquarium industry and there is a much greater selection of quality bulbs.