Anyone understand T5's
 

Hello I am new on this forum :wave:

I want to buy better lighting for my 65 gallon tank but my funds are low so I wanted to go with T5 lighting as it appears to be the biggest bang for your buck. The Nova Extreme T-5 fixtures say the output is 54 watts per bulb while the Aqualight T-5 fixtures say the output is 28 watts per bulb. How is that?

Also I have a valence (sp? a wooden canopy), so I should get a retrofit setup right? For some strange reason those are more expensive.

Thank you!

IMHO compact florescent is the most bang for your buck. It's produces more light with the same amount of power. Also, the bulbs don't need to be replaced as often, as t-5's should be replaced every 6 months.

The watts per bulb really depends on the wiring and the exact bulb. It's the same way you can have two lamps in your house which take the same size bulb, but one is 50 watts and another is 75 watts.

Retrofit is generally cheaper. I assume they seem more expensive than the fixtures because they are actually a more powerful/higher quality product. AHsupply.com makes very good retrofit kits, and they seem to be the cheapest for their quality.

I agree. Well put.

I was just looking at Dr. Foster's and Smith. Thier T5 retrofit was more than the Nova Extreme fixture. The cheapest compact florescent I had seen was 250 and the nova extreme is 125 with 108 watts. But I didnt realize the bulbs lasted longer. I just found a single retrofit compact florescents with 130 watts for 170. I'll check that webpage out, thanks!

It looks like I have to get two 24 inch compact florescents. They are really inexpensive and appear to be high quality. Okiemavis, are you familiar with this company? I just want to make sure they are a reliable good company because I have never heard of them. Thanks!

I've never ordered from the company myself, but I've heard really good things about them and their customer service. If you check out DIY sites with stuff on lighting, just about every article has pointed me towards that site.

Cool, Thanks!

I've had great experiences with www.thatpetplace.com and have found their prices to be very competitive.

this is a good light I have one and love it 2x65w and moonlight also:

http://www.petsolutions.com/Dual-Sat...901011+C1.aspx

I ordered a retrofit kit, but that is definately a good light just a bit over my budget. Thank you for all your help guys!