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Usually the convention with flourecents is 2-4watts per gallon, or 20watts
per sq foot surface area. However for the same length tube (i.e 36in) a T8 flourescent is 25w and a T5 39w. I have read though that a T5 gives more lumnens per watt than a T8. (http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.u...?article_id=75) If this is correct then when using T5 a lower wattage should be required than using T8 tubes? Therefore on a 39inch/29gal(imp) tank (3.3sq foot) what wattage of T5 lighting should be used on a mixed freshwater tank to provide a good level of lighting for plant growth? Would a single T5 tube be enough? i.e 39w for 29 imperial gallons = 1.34w/gallon or 11w sq foot?. A single T5 power compact would provide 55w but fit only in the centre of the tank (i.e 22in tube in a 38in wide tank) and give 1.89w/imp gallon or 16w sq foot? Alternativly it may just be possible to fit 2x 39w single T5 tubes which would give 78w or 2.68w/gallon or 23w sq foot. If the tube is REALLY 3-4 time more effective than a standard fluorescent bulb of similar wattage as claimed by pratical fishkeeper then: if we assume 29 gallon tank and aim for a high target of 4watts/gallon we would require 116watts of light. If T5 is really 3 times more effective we would require 1/3 of the wattage which would be 38.6w - or one T5 tube? Has anyone used T5 in a freshwater tank? is it really more effective than standard tubes? Does anyone know if the watts rules still apply to T5? and how much light (in T5 terms) should I be looking at acheiving? Would a single T5 tube be enough? or should i be looking at power compact t5 (55w) or even 2xTubes? Any advice appreciated. |
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