Whats the difference between these t5's

[Otolith]

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-T5-HO-Aquari...414?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f61d245e


and the ones they sell at home depot for less than half that price? I'd just be using for FOWLR or FW, no corals.

 

[gt1009]

Nothing, just the fixture. They still put out the same light.

 

[Otolith]

Ah, nice! I misspoke about less than half, I think they are 37.00 now that I think about it. Still, much cheaper.

 

[iwiied]

if the one at home depot is 54watt as well then the output power are the same.
next you have to make sure the output are of the desired color temperature. for fresh water planted tank you want something that in same color as natural sun light which is around 6700k. the ones on ebay are at 12000k and acinic , which i think is good for salt water coral.

 

[CHOMPERS]

Pretty much, the difference is just the looks (and price). The output is determined by the power of the ballast; the wavelength is determined by the bulbs. Sort of.

If you are going to build a hood for the tank, use the cheapies.
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41996

 

[Bderick67]

Never seen High output (HO) T5s available at HD