Just searched through the indoor pond forum and didn't really find what I was looking for. I am looking into lighting a pair of 500 gallon saltwater ponds for viewing (nothing photosynthetic) and am wanting to decide which type of florescent fixture to go with T8 or T5HO. Either will be a twin bulb 48" fixture mounted approx 12" from ceiling which would put the bottom of the fixture even with the "beam" in the photo. I'd prefer not to mount the lights any lower than that. Tank bottom is about 12" off the ground, and tank is 24" tall and 86" dia. (4' between light and water surface) Looking to do one fixture per tank. T5HO fixture is over double the cost of T8, but I just want to do it right once. I have also tried an LED spotlight, but didn't like the look. Assume whitish sand substrate.
What are your thoughts? T8's going to be too dim? T5's too bright? If I was just lighting a room, I'd be going with T8's since T5's are more for 20' ceilings, but I also know this is a different application. I will most likely put blinds on the window at some point, and want the fixtures over using the room lights so I can wire them individually to a controller for a light cycle.
http://www.menards.com/main/p-2259636-c-7495.htm
http://www.menards.com/main/lightin...-t5-lamp-vaportite-light/p-1365727-c-7495.htm
What are your thoughts? T8's going to be too dim? T5's too bright? If I was just lighting a room, I'd be going with T8's since T5's are more for 20' ceilings, but I also know this is a different application. I will most likely put blinds on the window at some point, and want the fixtures over using the room lights so I can wire them individually to a controller for a light cycle.
http://www.menards.com/main/p-2259636-c-7495.htm
http://www.menards.com/main/lightin...-t5-lamp-vaportite-light/p-1365727-c-7495.htm
