T8 vs t5 lights

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
T5 are more energy efficient, and brighter per watt. T8's are cheaper.
the best value if you can afford it is LED. the energy savings and long life means you'll spend less in the long run.
 
Gill Blue said:
the best value if you can afford it is LED. the energy savings and long life means you'll spend less in the long run.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily true. LEDs have a high initial cost. In most LED lighting systems, you cannot replace the bulbs. Eventually you will have to replace the fixture. Although they do save energy, overall savings will depend upon the quality of the LED light fixture and the bulb life. If the bulb life is only 3 or 4 years, there is very little savings.
 
In T5's vs. T8's it depends on your plans with them. T5's if you want plants. T8's are fine for fish only. I would probably still go with T5's for the energy efficeincy (light output/watt) comparable to what you would have to get to equal it with T8's.
Love my LED's though, the shimmer is cool and the dimmer makes it less stressful on the fish in at lights on and lights off times. Eventually I would like to upgrade all my lighting systems to LED's but the technology is still changing/getting better and prices are becoming more affordable. Might as well wait a bit.
 
I have plants in the tank coz I have a arowana jardini so t5s mite be better for the plants don't want to send much . How long until you have to change a t5 the same as a t8??


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