What is the difference between T5's T8's and T12's

raw04f · 12/21/2007, 09:27 AM

I am trying to set up a tank with either T8's or T12's. I dont know which bulb has a greater effect on growing coral. I plan to use it on a prop tank with four bulbs, and I plan to buy the fixture from Lowes because they have very low prices for their fixtures both T8 and T12's. Please let me know what you all think.

Jeff · 12/21/2007, 09:47 AM

The size (width). T12's are 1 inch wide. As the numbers get smaller so does the width of the bulb.

NocturnalReef · 12/21/2007, 10:17 AM

Light output is another thing that differs and the style of ballast and reflectors you need to power them

raw04f · 12/21/2007, 10:24 AM

what emits the most light output, T8's or T12's and which one is better for coral growth?

DASKILTERLIVES · 12/21/2007, 11:22 AM

T-8'S will give more output than T-12's , ( especially with Electronic ballasts) CRI is generally higher, truer colors, generate less heat. HD and Lowes sell the T-8'S in 65 k and 5K, cheap.. For more options, I would wholeheartdly recommend ZOO-MED bulbs. They are the best T-8 bulbs out there. Good Luck.

pjf · 12/21/2007, 12:40 PM

T5 & T5HO systems produce slightly more lumens per watt than T12, T10 & T8 systems (http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpi.../lat5/pc1a.asp).

T5HO is favored for fluorescent aquarium lighting. T5& T5HO lamps are about 2" shorter than the equivalent T12/T10/T8 lamps and easily fit inside aquarium hoods. Its thin diameter makes it mate well with individual parabolic reflectors.

The number after the "T" times 1/8" is the diameter of the lamp. While no brighter than a T12, the T8 blocks less of the light from its reflector so more light reaches the aquarium. The T6 is thinner still. I almost doubled the light reaching my aquarium by replacing T12 lamps with T6 lamps using the same reflectors.

While T12, T10, T8 and some T6 lamps can be interchanged, the T5 lamps are shorter and have a different pin configuration.

12/21/2007, 09:27 AM	#1
raw04f Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 100	What is the difference between T5's T8's and T12's I am trying to set up a tank with either T8's or T12's. I dont know which bulb has a greater effect on growing coral. I plan to use it on a prop tank with four bulbs, and I plan to buy the fixture from Lowes because they have very low prices for their fixtures both T8 and T12's. Please let me know what you all think.

12/21/2007, 09:47 AM	#2
Jeff Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 11,907	The size (width). T12's are 1 inch wide. As the numbers get smaller so does the width of the bulb. __________________ Always remember.... any time you reef, you also reef with every reefer that reefer has reefed with. Mitch 2/18/10 IWNFT343F Current Tank Info: Innovative Marine 20

12/21/2007, 11:22 AM	#5
DASKILTERLIVES Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 79	T-8'S will give more output than T-12's , ( especially with Electronic ballasts) CRI is generally higher, truer colors, generate less heat. HD and Lowes sell the T-8'S in 65 k and 5K, cheap.. For more options, I would wholeheartdly recommend ZOO-MED bulbs. They are the best T-8 bulbs out there. Good Luck. __________________ HANK Give up the greed, you don't have to need me. Current Tank Info: Glass, four sides

12/21/2007, 10:17 AM	#3
NocturnalReef Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: saline, MI Posts: 80	Light output is another thing that differs and the style of ballast and reflectors you need to power them

12/21/2007, 10:24 AM	#4
raw04f Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 100	what emits the most light output, T8's or T12's and which one is better for coral growth?

12/21/2007, 12:40 PM	#6
pjf Premium Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,954	T5 & T5HO systems produce slightly more lumens per watt than T12, T10 & T8 systems (http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpi.../lat5/pc1a.asp). T5HO is favored for fluorescent aquarium lighting. T5& T5HO lamps are about 2" shorter than the equivalent T12/T10/T8 lamps and easily fit inside aquarium hoods. Its thin diameter makes it mate well with individual parabolic reflectors. The number after the "T" times 1/8" is the diameter of the lamp. While no brighter than a T12, the T8 blocks less of the light from its reflector so more light reaches the aquarium. The T6 is thinner still. I almost doubled the light reaching my aquarium by replacing T12 lamps with T6 lamps using the same reflectors. While T12, T10, T8 and some T6 lamps can be interchanged, the T5 lamps are shorter and have a different pin configuration.