Which replacement 48" T5HO tubes?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
FreshyFresh

FreshyFresh

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Aug 24, 2015
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Buffalo NY
I've been slacking on replacing the lamps on my Odyssea 48" twin-tube T5HO I have over my 55g with plants. I've been running the same Coralife 6500K tubes in there for 1.5-2yrs. For what ever reason, I seemed to get better results with the no-name ~6700K lamps that came with this fixture when I bought it ~3yrs ago, but the tank was setup differently then (closer to a window). Some of the plants have changed too.

Currently I've got an amazon sword, various anubia, java fern and some crypts. All my wisteria and water sprite withered away for reasons unknown.

What brand/spec of 48" T5HO tubes would you recommend for my setup?
 
Whelp.. I guess no one runs T5HO anymore?

Man I dunno if I want to throw more tubes at it or use that money towards a not too expensive LED fixture.. Way too many choices.. Ugh.
 
I've used everything from Glo Bulbs to Phillips to Fluval and and had pretty decent results with all...

I guess realistically you need to find a bulb suitable for your needs, most people seem to recommend anywhere from around 6500K - 8000K, but then you still need to look at the PAR ratings and color chart to see which bulb would be best for your needs...

Maybe check out the planted tank section since there are a few threads that talk strictly about lighting, even T5 and LED comparisons if i remember correctly..,
 
^ I keep hearing good thing about that brand, and actually think i saw some for sale over here that i considered buying, but they are about 3X the price of other large brand HO Bulbs so i decided against them... Since it would have cost me over $100 USD for 4 bulbs...
 
I appreciate the input on this! Given I had such good luck with Zoo Med screw-in CFLs in the past on my little planted tanks, I'm trying a pair of Zoo Med T5HOs. A Flora Sun Maximum Plant Growth 6000K lamp and an Ultra Sun Super Daylight 6500K lamp. $8.79/ea on sale at the Docs. $25 to the door.
 
^ I've tried those bulbs too and had pretty decent results... so keep up updated and let us know how they work out for you ;)
 
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