noddy Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 Hi all Got a few questions on lighting. I am just getting back into keeping fish and Ive heard a lot of talk about t5, t8s, led etc and as I've always used a simple fluoro I'm considering upgrading if the benefits are good enough. 1. What is the cheapest to run (power/globe cost)? 2. Can you grow plants under LED lights? Does it provide the full spectrum required? 3. What are the good brands? 4. What are the benefits of t5/t8? Thanks in advance Trav Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mines bigger Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 T5/t8 are still Fluro tubes just t5 are generally a higher wattage and higher light output, the type of lighting you require depends on what you want to do and the depth of your tank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noddy Posted November 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 So the t5/8's etc would obviously use more power with the higher output and would cost more to run? So can you get LED in a T5 light or is it called something else? I am setting up a Tanganyikan tank with some Anubias, which correct me if I'm wrong are a low light plant, and I am running a single standard 4ft fluoro and a standard double 2ft fluoro. Tank is 20" high with the plants placed about 5-10" off the bottom. Enough lighting? Cheers Trav Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quantum8 Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 standard double fluoros should be fine for anubias in that size tank! Just watch the algae growth. I ended up getting those LED replacement tubes in the end...removed the ballast and starter and the anubias are still growing like crazy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noddy Posted November 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 So the LED replacements do throw the appropriate spectrum for plant growth then. Are they a lower wattage? I am thinking of trying to reduce my electricity use as much as I can but if the power saving is going to be offset by the cost of the globes/light unit etc then I will stick with what I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quantum8 Posted November 13, 2012 Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 I did notice a drop in my power bill. They are more expensive than regular globes so it may take a year or 2 till they pay for themselves but they do last a hell of a lot longer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noddy Posted November 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2012 Might have to look into it and send a letter to Santa... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
