Coral Life T-5 Lighting

[punman]

I have one Coral Life T-5 unit with a double bulb for one tank, my other tanks have standard fixtures with single T-8 bulbs. I need a strip for another four foot tank and am thinking of Coral-life again for a cichlid tank. Been pretty happy with it.

Have any of you tried Coral-Life and regretted it or gone back to the standard, say All-glass deluxe strip or similar?

Can anyone explain the pros and cons of T-5 vs T-8 lighting?

Edited March 13, 2010 by punman

[jzz30tt]

I have one Coral Life T-5 unit with a double bulb for one tank, my other tanks have standard fixtures with single T-8 bulbs. I need a strip for another four foot tank and am thinking of Coral-life again for a cichlid tank. Been pretty happy with it.

Have any of you tried Coral-Life and regretted it or gone back to the standard, say All-glass deluxe strip or similar?

Can anyone explain the pros and cons of T-5 vs T-8 lighting?

T5 Lighting is higher effiiciency as well as greater light output. Same as the differance was between T12 lighting and T8. Smaller diameter tubes with greater efficiency and better light output.

[pat]

I have one Coral Life T-5 unit with a double bulb for one tank, my other tanks have standard fixtures with single T-8 bulbs. I need a strip for another four foot tank and am thinking of Coral-life again for a cichlid tank. Been pretty happy with it.

Have any of you tried Coral-Life and regretted it or gone back to the standard, say All-glass deluxe strip or similar?

Can anyone explain the pros and cons of T-5 vs T-8 lighting?

T5 Lighting is higher effiiciency as well as greater light output. Same as the differance was between T12 lighting and T8. Smaller diameter tubes with greater efficiency and better light output.

I don't believe the T5 would add any value if you have no plant in the tank.

[jvision]

The only benefits of a T5 over T8 for your purpose would be energy consumption (tho, I doubt the difference would be measurable w. just 2 bulbs) and size - a T5 fixture would have a lower profile, if that matters to you.

Edited May 3, 2010 by jvision

[Kronosdelsol]

The reflector makes the most difference, then the power consumption. T5 uses better reflectors unless you buy a T8 unit with similar reflectors. The T5's use less energy than the T8's if you are comparing natural output (NO) to itself. They also produce less heat.

I would go with the T5 if you are looking for a slimer and lighter alternative. However, if the costs are much higher, go with T8. You will have more money in your pocket for other goods.