T-5?

ajpearson

Junior Poster
Mar 25, 2005
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OMAHA nebraska
Allright I am now officially confused... Im trying to decide wether to go with some t12 VHOs, T5 lighting, or power compacts and I cant see to locate and answer for how long theses different bulbs last? im cruzing the net and getting different answers.... Is there any place where I cant find this information?
 

Tom Barr

Founder
Staff member
Administrator
Jan 23, 2005
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Re: T-5?

For 55/75 gal, the T5's are nice, I like them, they are still a bit $$$ vs the PC lamps...........but they are nice.

I'd not bother with VHO's....

Regards,
Tom Barr
 

DavidR

Prolific Poster
Apr 1, 2005
38
0
6
Texas
Re: T-5?

Bulb life expectancy:

PC - 1 year
T5 - 2 years

Contrary to popular belief, T5's are really not any more expensive than PC lights. Given their much higher efficiency and longer life span, T5's are actually cheaper over a 2 year span (example: 55w PC bulb = $18-28; 54w T5 bulb = $10-15). They are also more effective than PC lighting, therefore, they require less light than PC.
 

Tom Barr

Founder
Staff member
Administrator
Jan 23, 2005
18,702
792
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Re: T-5?

Yya...........but I think the main issues are better light spread and less intensity(PC's have a little too much IMO, we simply do not need that much in most cases).

For smaller tanks, PC's do well but for a 55-75 gal, 2x 54 w is perfect for most designs/layouts. I've seen some very nice systems using this wattage set up.

I get 4-5 years out of my PC lamps.
If yours are only 1 year or less, send me your bulbs:)

I've said this for 5 years and no one has ever sent me their bulbs yet..........

Regards,
Tom Barr