CF vs T5HO Question

dish418 · 03-29-2010, 10:13 PM

I have a 56g Column 30"L x 18"W x 24" D that I had been running 2x65w CF until I had a ballast go out. I ran 65w for about 8.5 hrs and the other for 4 hrs midday. Im going to switch to T5HO rather than fix my CF. My question is can I get by with 4x24w T5? I know my wpg wont be the same, but the T5 are more efficient. I have Micro Swords, Java Ferns, Giant Hairgrass, an Undulatus and some Broad Leaf Chains. I was planning on going with a pressurized Co2 system soon. I also use Flourish 2x week. Thanks

ladyonyx · 03-30-2010, 12:11 AM

The wpg will be a little low towards the bottom of the tank, but the plants should do fine, especially if you're dosing with Flourish. You'll like the T5s

archer772 · 03-30-2010, 07:07 AM

I think you should be fine as long as your retro or fixture has good individual reflectors, cooling fans and you use quility bulbs. I know this is geared more towards reef tanks but it will give you an idea on bulbs
home (tfivetesting)

WhiteGloveAquatics · 03-30-2010, 04:21 PM

Yeah the carpet plants wont do well that far from the light.

I use two 6700K 39w T5HO's on my 45 tall, I got tons of light at the bottom, my pygmy chain sword is growing like wildfire, total distance from light to plant is 25 inches.

03-29-2010, 10:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
dish418 dish418's Photo Gallery Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 34 Name: Jeremy Location: Tn Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 0 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	CF vs T5HO Question I have a 56g Column 30"L x 18"W x 24" D that I had been running 2x65w CF until I had a ballast go out. I ran 65w for about 8.5 hrs and the other for 4 hrs midday. Im going to switch to T5HO rather than fix my CF. My question is can I get by with 4x24w T5? I know my wpg wont be the same, but the T5 are more efficient. I have Micro Swords, Java Ferns, Giant Hairgrass, an Undulatus and some Broad Leaf Chains. I was planning on going with a pressurized Co2 system soon. I also use Flourish 2x week. Thanks

03-30-2010, 12:11 AM	#2 (permalink)
ladyonyx ladyonyx's Photo Gallery Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 713 Name: Alex Rose Location: Woodridge, IL My location Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 23 Times Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 179 Times in 144 Posts	Re: CF vs T5HO Question The wpg will be a little low towards the bottom of the tank, but the plants should do fine, especially if you're dosing with Flourish. You'll like the T5s __________________ When in doubt, do a water change.

03-30-2010, 07:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
archer772 archer772's Photo Gallery Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 943 Name: Scott Location: Michigan My location Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 273 Times Said "Thanks" 15 Times Was Thanked 261 Times in 250 Posts	Re: CF vs T5HO Question I think you should be fine as long as your retro or fixture has good individual reflectors, cooling fans and you use quility bulbs. I know this is geared more towards reef tanks but it will give you an idea on bulbs home (tfivetesting)

03-30-2010, 04:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
WhiteGloveAquatics WhiteGloveAquatics's Photo Gallery Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 2,045 Name: WhiteDevil Location: NW suburbs of chicago Feedback: 2 / 100% Said "Welcome to Aquarium Forum" 145 Times Said "Thanks" 47 Times Was Thanked 392 Times in 368 Posts	Re: CF vs T5HO Question Yeah the carpet plants wont do well that far from the light. I use two 6700K 39w T5HO's on my 45 tall, I got tons of light at the bottom, my pygmy chain sword is growing like wildfire, total distance from light to plant is 25 inches.

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