What is the difference between t5 and t12?

t5535 · 11/05/2010, 06:41 PM

What is the difference between t5 and t12? I currently have 4 40w t12 ballasts (8 lights) and I was thinking on using them for my tank. I want to get some corals in it but everywhere I look or read its all about t5's or MH. I am trying to do this on a small budget to see how it goes before I spring for a nice light. O ya it is a 75 gal standard tank.

mike_cmu04 · 11/05/2010, 07:29 PM

You will need t5 or mh for corals. The t12 bubls are not the right spectrum and corals will not grow under them.

beatle · 11/05/2010, 08:30 PM

Standard output T12s (like you have) will not grow much of anything but algae, but VHO T12s (48" 110w) are capable of growing coral. If you're trying to keep things budget oriented, purchase a used fixture. You can find inexpensive PC (power compact) fixtures that will grow softys.

t5535 · 11/05/2010, 09:25 PM

well after all the reading and research I think I am gonna switch to the t5's or MH and t5 combo lol. I wanna grow corals!!!!! I was thinking about saving and buying the Odyssea 48" 716W Metal Halide System with T5 HO but my tank has a canopy and I don't think it would work well in there so hmmm... I have been looking at the parts to build my own lights into the canopy but the retro kits are expensive lol. is there a alternative? Can I build my own retro kit? Will any MH ballast work if its the right wattage?

11/05/2010, 06:41 PM	#1
t5535 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 59	What is the difference between t5 and t12? What is the difference between t5 and t12? I currently have 4 40w t12 ballasts (8 lights) and I was thinking on using them for my tank. I want to get some corals in it but everywhere I look or read its all about t5's or MH. I am trying to do this on a small budget to see how it goes before I spring for a nice light. O ya it is a 75 gal standard tank.

11/05/2010, 07:29 PM	#2
mike_cmu04 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Shepherd, Mi Posts: 2,348	You will need t5 or mh for corals. The t12 bubls are not the right spectrum and corals will not grow under them. __________________ 92 Gallon corner tank, 2-radion gen 2 led lights, 2 mp40's Current Tank Info: 92 Gallon Corner Tank

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11/05/2010, 08:30 PM	#3
beatle Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Springfield, VA Posts: 295	Standard output T12s (like you have) will not grow much of anything but algae, but VHO T12s (48" 110w) are capable of growing coral. If you're trying to keep things budget oriented, purchase a used fixture. You can find inexpensive PC (power compact) fixtures that will grow softys.

11/05/2010, 09:25 PM	#4
t5535 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 59	well after all the reading and research I think I am gonna switch to the t5's or MH and t5 combo lol. I wanna grow corals!!!!! I was thinking about saving and buying the Odyssea 48" 716W Metal Halide System with T5 HO but my tank has a canopy and I don't think it would work well in there so hmmm... I have been looking at the parts to build my own lights into the canopy but the retro kits are expensive lol. is there a alternative? Can I build my own retro kit? Will any MH ballast work if its the right wattage?